($394+) Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $410 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,396 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 488 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,366, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,396 or more.
- Moving containers run $966 - $3,032, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $410 - $1,031.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,159 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 Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Tacoma to Missoula: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,159 - $5,624. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 488-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 488-mile route from Tacoma to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,366 - $4,482 | $966 - $1,594 | $410 - $766 | $860 - $1,571 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,159 - $5,624 | $1,224 - $2,246 | $438 - $926 | $971 - $1,760 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,171 - $8,396 | $1,645 - $3,032 | $555 - $1,031 | $1,239 - $2,402 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 488-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $1,366 - $8,396. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $357 - $2,380. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tacoma and Missoula. Local movers in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,366 - $4,482
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,159 - $5,624
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,171 - $8,396
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 Tacoma to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $595 - $5,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: A2B Moving & Storage, LLC | $238 - $1,428/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $357 - $2,856 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,190 - $3,570 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,975 - $11,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $891 - $1,693 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers | $1,190 - $2,975 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers | $952 - $4,165 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling41% of local movers | $357 - $1,785 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers | $774 - $2,380 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $357 - $17,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $357 - $4,165+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma 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.
How much do local movers cost in Tacoma, WA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Tacoma to Missoula with a local mover averages $2,159 - $5,624. Working with a local mover based in Tacoma, WA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Triple 7 Movers (4.7/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Tacoma, ranked #2 in Washington, based on our analysis of feedback from 660 customers, 93.3% of which is positive.
Address: 1028 4th St SW #B, Auburn, WA, 98001 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $966 and $3,032. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tacoma costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $966 - $1,594
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,224 - $2,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,645 - $3,032
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 Tacoma, WA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $833, 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 $89 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $179 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Tacoma, WA, 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 $966. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,224 - $2,246, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 488 miles from Tacoma, Washington, to Missoula, Montana, running $410 - $1,031. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $185 - $211
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| 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 Tacoma to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $410 - $766
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $438 - $926
- 4+ bedrooms: $555 - $1,031
Pro tip: The base rate of $410 - $1,031 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tacoma to Missoula. Fuel ($185 - $211) , lodging at around $179/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $89 and $417.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $179.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $185 and $211 for the 488-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 $833 for 2 movers in Tacoma, Washington, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, Washington, 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 $971 and $1,760.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $860 - $1,571
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $971 - $1,760
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,239 - $2,402
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?
- 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 $89 and $179.
- 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 Tacoma, Washington, for roughly five hours typically average $833.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.7/5 stars): Allstate Transport is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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: Tacoma, WA vs Missoula, MT
Day-to-day costs in Missoula are close to what you're used to in Tacoma: cost of living index of 113 versus 123, with average rent of $1,322/mo compared to $1,650/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 54/100 and 44.45/100 in Tacoma versus 45/100 and 66.73/100 in Missoula.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quotes from Washington to Montana, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 96 movers licensed in Washington, useful context for sizing up this 488-mile move.
Our take
A move from Tacoma, WA, to Missoula, MT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,366 - $8,396 on the 488-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $966 - $3,032, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $410 - $1,031. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,159 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Missoula, MT
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $1,366 to $8,396, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,366 and $8,396, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Tacoma?
Local movers based in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Missoula run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.