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Things to know before moving from South Dakota to Missoula, MT
Cost of living: South Dakota vs Missoula, MT
| South Dakota | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $878 | $1,322 |
| Average home value | $306,944 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,457 | $59,180 |
| Unemployment rate | 2% | 4% |
| State income tax | 0% | 7% |
Missoula sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 51% more expensive in Missoula than in South Dakota.
- Home prices are about 77% higher in Missoula than in South Dakota.
- The average income is about 15% lower in Missoula than in South Dakota.
- Missoula has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 132%.
- Income taxes are 7% higher in Missoula than in South Dakota.
How life is different in Missoula from South Dakota
| Missoula | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 919,318 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58.4-38.5 | Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 15" | 23" |
| Annual snow | 40" | 39" |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 21.14 |
Missoula sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Missoula is approximately 92% lower than the population of South Dakota.
- In the last presidential election, Missoula voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Missoula is 85ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Missoula reaches the temperature of 16ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
- You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Missoula vs 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
- In Missoula, it snows about 40 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
- Missoula has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 33.27 vs 21.14.
Things to do in Missoula
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Missoula.
Museums in Missoula
Parks in Missoula
Sports Teams in Missoula
Universities in Missoula
Other considerations when moving to Missoula, MT
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Dakota to Missoula take?
The time frame for a move from South Dakota to Missoula, MT, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in South Dakota, the longer the drive time to Missoula will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Missoula from South Dakota can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Dakota to Missoula?
Because of the 838-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Dakota to Missoula as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Missoula, MT?
With the summer highs of 85ºF and the winter lows of 16ºF, most people move to Missoula from South Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Missoula during summer or winter.
