($1,372+) Houston, TX to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Houston, TX, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,372 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,606 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,904 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $3,088, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,606 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,903 - $6,731, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,372 - $3,773.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,224 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Houston to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $4,224 - $8,629 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,904-mile route from Houston to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $3,088 - $6,386 | $1,903 - $3,676 | $1,372 - $2,616 | $1,798 - $3,243 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,224 - $8,629 | $2,360 - $5,253 | $1,440 - $3,301 | $1,987 - $3,876 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,382 - $12,606 | $3,332 - $6,731 | $1,929 - $3,773 | $2,801 - $5,715 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated June 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,904-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, with prices running from $3,088 - $12,606. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $291 - $1,940 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Houston and Missoula are the two biggest drivers of your final price.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Houston to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,088 - $6,386
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,224 - $8,629
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,382 - $12,606
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Houston to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Add-ons and specialty services from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Houston to Missoula. Prices are localized to Houston costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Houston to Missoula) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Houston to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Houston, TX, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,903 and $6,731. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Missoula.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,903 - $3,676
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,360 - $5,253
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,332 - $6,731
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Houston, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $679, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Houston, TX, and Missoula, MT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,903. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,360 - $5,253, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Houston to Missoula?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Houston to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Houston:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 14 years in business
- Square Cow (4.9/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT
Moving truck rentals from Houston, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,372 and $3,773. A rental truck is the most hands-on way to move. You load your belongings into the truck yourself, drive the full 1,904 miles to your new home, and unload everything when you arrive. The base rate covers the truck rental only. Fuel ($588 - $672), insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) are billed separately.
Rental moving truck sizes generally run from 10 - 26 feet. The 15- to 17-foot truck is the go-to option for most 2-bedroom moves. Studio and 1-bedroom moves typically fit into a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck, while 3+ bedroom homes usually call for a 20- to 26-foot truck. Keep in mind that anything 20 feet or larger typically requires diesel fuel, which adds to your fuel budget for the trip.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Houston to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,372 - $2,616
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,440 - $3,301
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,929 - $3,773
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,372 - $3,773 when pricing out a rental truck from Houston to Missoula. Fuel alone runs ($588 - $672) , and overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $588 - $672 for the 1,904-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Houston, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $679.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,904-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $291 - $437 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $291.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston to Missoula?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this route. Lower base rates than competitors, plus stackable discounts for AAA, military, and online bookings, make Budget the most cost-conscious choice.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is most reliable on this list. Their fleet is one of the newest in the industry, and Penske bundles unlimited mileage on one-way moves with 24/7 roadside assistance at no extra charge.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is our pick for best availability. With 23,000+ locations across North America and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the broadest network and the most reservation flexibility of any truck rental company.
Freight trailer costs from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Houston, Texas, to Missoula, Montana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,987 and $3,876.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,798 - $3,243
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,987 - $3,876
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,801 - $5,715
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $73 and $146.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Houston, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $679.
What are the best freight companies from Houston to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Sysco Usa Ii, LLC (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Usa Ii, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Missoula quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Missoula, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Missoula, side by side with Houston on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Houston, TX | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 97 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,549/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $258,925 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $62,894/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 6.75% |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Houston, TX guide.
Our take
For a move from Houston, TX, to Missoula, MT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $3,088 for a studio to $12,606 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,904-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,903 - $6,731. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,372 - $3,773, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $4,224 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to move from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT?
Fall and winter, roughly October - March, are consistently the most affordable times to move from Houston, Texas, to Missoula, Montana. Fewer people are relocating during those months, which means lower prices, better availability, and more leverage when negotiating with movers.
Summer is the most expensive time to move, with peak demand running from mid-May through mid-September. If your schedule allows any flexibility, even shifting your move a few weeks earlier or later than the summer rush can save you a noticeable amount.
How much does moving from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT cost?
Rental trucks start at $1,372 for a move from Houston to Missoula, making them roughly 50% cheaper than full-service movers for a 1-bedroom apartment. The price range for this route is $3,088 on the low end to $12,606 on the high end. A studio or small apartment using a rental truck is going to land near the bottom, while a large home with a full-service crew will land near the top.
What is the most budget-friendly way to move from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT?
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest option for moving from Houston to Missoula, since you handle all the labor yourself and only pay for the vehicle. A 2-bedroom truck rental on this route averages $1,440 - $3,301. Take a look at our cheapest truck rental recommendations to lock in the lowest base rate for your DIY relocation.
What looks affordable upfront often isn't once you factor in the extras. Fuel ($588 - $672), insurance ($29/day), equipment rentals ($7 - $19), and overnight lodging ($146/night for cross-country drives) all add up beyond the base rate. Run the full math before booking your move from Houston, Texas, to Missoula, Montana.
What tips should I follow when moving from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT?
Reducing your shipment by 500 pounds, roughly the equivalent of decluttering one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Staying organized throughout the process matters just as much. A detailed moving checklist keeps you on schedule, helps you avoid last-minute mistakes, and makes the whole experience considerably less overwhelming.
How long does a move from Houston, TX to Missoula, MT take?
Full-service and container moves on this route typically take 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. Carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps transit times and costs in a reasonable range.
Freight trailers are the fastest delivery option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself, and they tend to have more consistent delivery windows than full-service movers. Just keep in mind that freight works best when you're ready to receive your shipment on the other end.
If you need storage or your move-in isn't locked in yet, a container or full-service mover gives you more flexibility. Driving a rental truck from Houston, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, puts the timeline entirely in your hands.
