Factors influencing moving costs from Phoenix to Montana

The cost of Phoenix movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Phoenix, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Montana

If youโ€™re moving to Montana from Phoenix, AZ, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Phoenix vs. Montana

Phoenix, AZ Montana
Average rent cost $1,695 $974
Average home cost $411,139 $462,631
Average income (per capita) $64,552 $66,341
Unemployment rate 6.6% 3.3%
State income tax 2.5% 6.75%
  • Rent is about 55% less expensive in Montana than in Phoenix.
  • Home prices are about 12.0% higher in Montana than in Phoenix.
  • The average income is about 2.5% higher in Montana than in Phoenix.
  • Montana has a lower unemployment rate than Phoenix by about 91.7%.
  • Income taxes are 170.00% higher in Montana than in Phoenix.

How life is different in Phoenix, AZ, from Montana

Phoenix, AZ Montana
Population 1,608,139 1,132,812
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Republican 58.4-38.5
Summer high 105ยบF 84ยบF
Winter low 43ยบF 12ยบF
Annual rain 9" 15"
Annual snow 0" 49"
Crime index 53.06 23.37
  • The population of Montana is approximately 30% lower than the population of Phoenix.
  • In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican and Phoenix voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Montana is 84ยบ F and in Phoenix, itโ€™s 105ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Montana reaches the temperature of 12ยบ F and Phoenix gets down to 43ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Montana vs. 9 inches of rainfall in Phoenix.
  • In Montana, it snows about 49 inches annually vs. 0 inches of snow in Phoenix.

Comparing the pros of Phoenix, AZ, vs. Montana:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Phoenix vs Montana side-by-side.

Pros of living in Phoenix, AZ Pros of living in Montana
Beautiful nature Unmatched natural beauty
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Bountiful outdoor opportunities
Ample economic activity Ample economic opportunity
Low cost of living Delicious unique cuisine
Delectable food No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in Phoenix, AZ, vs. Montana:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Phoenix for Montana.

Cons of living in Phoenix, AZ Cons of living in Montana
Extreme weather Dangerous wildlife
Tourists Remote lifestyle
Limited public transportation Touristy
Hot summers Lacking in urban amenities
Poor education Challenging weather

Other considerations when moving to Montana from Phoenix

  • Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Montana

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Montana.

Museums in Montanatoggle

  • National Museum of Wildlife Art
  • Museum of the Rockies
  • Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
  • Moss Mansion
  • Conrad Mansion
  • World Museum of Mining
  • Images of Nature by Thomas Mangelsen
  • American Computer & Robotics Museum
  • Sunti World Art Gallery
  • Fort Missoula Museum
  • Copper King Mansion
  • Yellowstone Art Museum
  • Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum
  • C.M. Russell Museum
  • Northwest Montana History Museum

Parks in Montanatoggle

  • Lone Pine State Park
  • Caras Park
  • Sacajawea Park
  • Herron Park
  • Phil Baux Park
  • Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
  • Whitefish Lake State Park
  • Pioneer Park
  • Crystal Park
  • Riverfront Park
  • Hugh Rogers Wag Park
  • Red Rock Falls, Glacier National Park
  • Gallatin County Regional Park
  • Glen Lake Rotary Park - Bozeman Beach (formerly East Gallatin Recreation Area)
  • Gibson Park
  • Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park

Sports Teams in Montanatoggle

  • Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
  • Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)

Universities in Montanatoggle

  • Montana State University
  • The University of Montana
  • Montana Tech
  • Montana State University Billings
  • Carroll College
  • Rocky Mountain College
  • Montana State University-Northern
  • The University of Montana Western
  • University of Providence

FAQs

How long does a move from Phoenix to Montana take?

The time it takes to move from Phoenix, AZ, to Montana depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Phoenix to Montana?

Need to get your car from Phoenix to Montana? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Phoenix to Montana car shippers.

Why are people moving from Phoenix to Montana?

Many people are moving to Montana because of its unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities. On the other hand, people are moving away from Phoenix because of the extreme weather and tourists.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Phoenix?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Phoenix.

Helpful moving resources