Factors influencing moving costs from Los Angeles to Missoulatoggle

The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Los Angeles to Missoula can be as low as $1,424 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,569.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $878 to $2,359. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Missoula

Los Angeles Missoula
Average rent cost $2,960 $1,322
Average home value $2,368,088 $544,475
Average income (per capita) $74,993 $59,180
Cost of living (single person) $1,319 $2,011
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,770 $5,832
Unemployment rate 10.6% 4.4%
Sales tax 9.5% 0.0%
State income tax 13.3% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Missoula are 55% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Home prices in Missoula are 77.0% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Income in Missoula is 21.1% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Missoula is 52.5% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 22.3% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in Missoula is 58.49% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • State income taxes in Missoula are 49.25% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,573.92 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.

How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Missoula

Missoula Los Angeles
Population 77,757 3,820,914
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 45 69
Bike friendliness score 60 59
Crime Index 33.27 53.81
Safety Index 66.73 46.19
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Missoula's population is about 98% less than Los Angeles.
  • Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's lower score of 8.
  • Missoula is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
  • With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Missoula's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 33.27 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
  • Missoula is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 66.73 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
  • Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Missoula move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.
  • 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 you'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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Missoula. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Missoula

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

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Lewis And Clark
  • Rose Park
  • Miller Creek
  • Riverfront Lower
  • Rattlesnake

Things to do in Missoulatoggle

After settling into your new Montana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Missoula has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Missoula is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Missoula Museum, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Natural History Center, and Museum of Mountain Flying.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Missoula?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Missoula?

Because most people are moving from Los Angeles to Missoula in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Los Angeles to Missoula take?

The 1,210-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Missoula, MT, takes two to eight days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Missoula.

Helpful moving resources