($1,215+) McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,215 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,122 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,057 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,500, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,122 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,678 - $6,036, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,215 - $3,450.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,453 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 McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to Missoula: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,453 - $7,621. Containers cost roughly 41% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 63% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,057 miles, expect 6 to 17 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,057-mile route from McAllen to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,500 - $5,260 | $1,678 - $3,158 | $1,215 - $2,344 | $1,467 - $2,624 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,453 - $7,621 | $2,046 - $4,214 | $1,264 - $2,817 | $1,686 - $3,270 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,030 - $11,122 | $2,861 - $6,036 | $1,516 - $3,450 | $2,357 - $4,829 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,057-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $2,500 - $11,122. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $272 - $1,816. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between McAllen and Missoula. Local movers in McAllen typically start around $160 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,500 - $5,260
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,453 - $7,621
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,030 - $11,122
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 McAllen to Missoula.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Missoula, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $454 - $4,540 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $182 - $1,090/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $272 - $2,179 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $908 - $2,724 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,270 - $9,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $680 - $1,292 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $908 - $2,270 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $726 - $3,178 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $272 - $1,362 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $590 - $1,816 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $272 - $13,620+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $272 - $3,178+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in McAllen, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,678 and $6,036. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in McAllen typically costs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,678 - $3,158
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,046 - $4,214
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,861 - $6,036
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both McAllen, TX and Missoula, MT. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $636 in McAllen, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $136 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Montana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,678. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,046 - $4,214.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Missoula?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
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 McAllen 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 McAllen:
- PODS Moving & Storage (3.7/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
Truck rentals from McAllen, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, range from $1,215 - $3,450 for the 2,057-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $594 - $679
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from McAllen to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,215 - $2,344
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,264 - $2,817
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,516 - $3,450
Pro tip: A rental truck from McAllen to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,215 - $3,450. But once you factor in fuel ($594 - $679), overnight lodging ($136/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $68 and $318.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $136.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $594 and $679 for the 2,057-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $636 for 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Missoula?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, to Missoula, Montana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $817 and $3,270.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,467 - $2,624
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,686 - $3,270
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,357 - $4,829
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In McAllen, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $636.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $68 - $136 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: McAllen, 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 McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 McAllen, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quote from Texas to Montana, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 843 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 2,057-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,057-mile route from McAllen, TX, to Missoula, MT, run $2,500 - $11,122 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,678 - $6,036, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,215 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,453, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Missoula, MT
Is Missoula a safe place to live?
Missoula has a safety index of 66.73 out of 100 and a crime index of 33.27, compared to 63.74 and 36.26 in McAllen. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($594 - $679), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $136/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.