Spokane, WA to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best WA→MT movers

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 94 Washington moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Spokane to Missoula

Many movers find Missoula easier on the wallet than Spokane - roughly 21% less for singles and 7% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,011 for one person in Missoula versus $2,556 in Spokane. For a family of four, it's $5,832 compared with $6,270.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Spokane	Missoula
Average 1 BR rent	$1,564	$1,542
Average 3 BR rent	$2,725	$2,983
Average home value	$375,614	$544,475
Average income (per capita)	$60,801	$59,180
Cost of living (single)	$2,556	$2,011
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,270	$5,832
Unemployment rate	6.6%	4.4%
Sales tax	9.0%	0.0%
State income tax	0.0%	6.75%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

If you're heading to Missoula from Spokane, you'll find that rent is roughly 9% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 45% greater in Missoula than in Spokane.
Fortunately, the average income in Missoula and Spokane is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Missoula. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 21% lower than in Spokane.
Choosing to move to Missoula can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 7% less than in Spokane.
Missoula enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 33% lower compared to Spokane, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Spokane. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
Montana has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Spokane and Missoula:

Living Expense	Spokane	Missoula
Basic utilities	$153.98	$132.00
Cell phone plan	$65.11	$59.67
Dozen eggs	$4.50	$4.50
Loaf of bread	$2.91	$2.91
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$25.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$75.00	$75.00
Gym membership	$44.25	$63.33

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Spokane than in Missoula.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Spokane than in Missoula.
Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
Bread costs are about the same in both places.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Spokane than in Missoula.
The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Spokane than in Missoula.

How life is different in Spokane vs. Missoula

	Spokane	Missoula
Population	593,466	77,757
Transportation score	6	5
Walkability score	49	45
Bike friendliness score	52	60
Crime index	3.0	33.27
Safety index	44.94	66.73
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Missoula's population is about 87% less than Spokane.
Missoula's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Spokane's score of 6.
Missoula is less walkable than Spokane with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Spokane's 49 out of 100.
With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Spokane, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Missoula's crime rate is higher than Spokane with a score of 33.27 compared to Spokane's 3.0. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Spokane neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
Missoula is considered to be safer than Spokane with a safety index of 66.73 vs Spokane's 44.94.
Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Spokane it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Spokane to Missoula move

HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
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). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Montana doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Missoula. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Where to live in Missoula

Now that you've decided to make the move to The Garden City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Missoula.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Heart Of Missoula
Lewis And Clark
Farviews And Pattee
Canyon River
Front Lower
Rattlesnake

Best neighborhoods for families

Lewis And Clark
Rose Park
Miller Creek
Riverfront Lower
Rattlesnake

Things to do in Missoula

Once you're settled into your new home in Montana, it's time to get out and discover what Missoula has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Missoula, such as the Fort Missoula Museum, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Natural History Center, and Museum of Mountain Flying.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Spokane to Missoula?

The best time to move from Spokane to Missoula is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Spokane.

When is the cheapest time to move from Spokane to Missoula?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Spokane to Missoula, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Spokane to Missoula take?

Moving from Spokane, WA to Missoula, MT covers 197 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Spokane movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Missoula.

Which movers in Spokane give price breaks?

Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members.

Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.

Who can move pianos or antiques in Spokane?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 8 movers in Spokane advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in Spokane provide antique moving services. State totals show 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.