Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tacoma to Missoula typically costs $2,400–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 488 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tacoma to Missoula
Moving from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT typically costs $2,400–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 488-mile move from Tacoma to Missoula, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,993 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 29, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Tacoma to Missoula
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,600, but larger homes can run up to $9,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Tacoma.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($500–$1,300) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA guide.
Best Tacoma to Missoula movers by type
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Best professional movers from Tacoma to Missoula
For a stress-free interstate move from Tacoma to Missoula, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WA→MT movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 94 Washington moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tacoma to Missoula
Many movers find Missoula easier on the wallet than Tacoma - roughly 51% less for singles and 20% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,011 for one person in Missoula versus $4,133 in Tacoma. For a family of four, it's $5,832 compared with $7,260.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Tacoma | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,935 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,389 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $477,289 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,133 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,260 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 10.3% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.75% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 20% lower in Missoula than in Tacoma, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 14% higher in Missoula than in Tacoma.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 19% less in Missoula than in Tacoma.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Missoula, where the cost of living for a single person is 51% less than in Tacoma.
- Moving to Missoula could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 20% less than in Tacoma.
- Missoula experiences an unemployment rate that is about 40% lower than that of Tacoma. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Tacoma. 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Tacoma with Missoula:
| Living Expense | Tacoma | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.80 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.50 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.84 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.21 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $51.67 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tacoma than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tacoma than in Missoula.
- Eggs cost more in Tacoma than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Tacoma than in Missoula.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tacoma than in Missoula.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tacoma than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tacoma than in Missoula.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Missoula
| Tacoma | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 60 |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 44.45 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 65% less than Tacoma.
- Missoula's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Tacoma's score of 6.
- Missoula is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Missoula's crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 33.27 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 66.73 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Tacoma it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma to Missoula move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Montana doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Missoula smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Missoula
Now that you've chosen The Garden City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Missoula to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Montana home, it's time to see what Missoula is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Missoula offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Missoula?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tacoma to Missoula are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tacoma are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Missoula?
Because spring and fall moves from Tacoma to Missoula are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Tacoma to Missoula take?
A move of 488 miles from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT generally takes one to four days. Movers in Tacoma sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Missoula is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Tacoma?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 3 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Tacoma offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 47 movers in Tacoma have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 37 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WA, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
