($430+) Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $438 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,521 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 $1,445, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,521 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,012 - $3,177, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $438 - $1,069.
- 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 $2,379 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
Moving options from Tacoma 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 $2,379 - $6,076 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. This route spans 488 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
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 | $1,445 - $4,606 | $1,012 - $1,758 | $438 - $810 | $901 - $1,614 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,379 - $6,076 | $1,320 - $2,378 | $459 - $906 | $956 - $1,979 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,286 - $9,521 | $1,623 - $3,177 | $542 - $1,069 | $1,352 - $2,541 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 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 $1,445 - $9,521. 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: $1,445 - $4,606
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,379 - $6,076
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,286 - $9,521
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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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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: All Ready Moving & Storage | $238 - $1,428/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $357 - $2,856 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs35% 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: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,190 - $2,975 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $952 - $4,165 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $357 - $1,785 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $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 our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $2,497 - $6,379. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Tacoma, WA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Triple 7 Movers (4.64/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Tacoma, 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: 2009
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,012 and $3,177. 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. If you go over that window, storage in Tacoma adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,012 - $1,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,378
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,623 - $3,177
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tacoma, WA 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 $833 in Tacoma, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $89 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $179 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.
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 $1,012. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,320 - $2,378, 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:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT
A rental truck for this 488-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $438 and $1,069. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $438 - $810
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $459 - $906
- 4+ bedrooms: $542 - $1,069
Pro tip: A rental truck from Tacoma to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $438 - $1,069. But once you factor in fuel ($185 - $211) , overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $185 - $211 for the 488-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 Tacoma, Washington, for about 5 hours typically costs around $833.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 488-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $179 per night, adding $357 - $536 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $357.
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
For larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Missoula, Montana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $956 and $1,979.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $901 - $1,614
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $956 - $1,979
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,352 - $2,541
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $833.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $89 and $179 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tacoma to Missoula. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Missoula, MT
Good news for your budget: Missoula isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Tacoma. Cost of living index runs 113 there against 123 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 54/100 and 44.45/100 here versus 45/100 and 66.73/100 there.
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 95 movers licensed in Washington, useful context for sizing up this 488-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Tacoma, WA, to Missoula, MT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,445 for a studio to $9,521 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 488-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,012 - $3,177. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $438 - $1,069, 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 $2,379 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($185 - $211), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $179/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $459 - $906. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $1,445 to $9,521, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,445 and $9,521, 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.
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.
