($1,481) Moving from Portland to Missoula

Quick answer: A move from Portland to Missoula costs $1,567 to $8,577 and takes seven-twenty-one days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,669-mile move yourself.

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Portland will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Missoula to Portland guide.

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The best Portland to Missoula moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Portland to Missoula is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Portland to Missoula.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Portland to Missoula?

Portland movers charge $135 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,481 - $6,011 $1,299 - $3,336 $1,403 - $2,691
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,184 - $8,577 $2,474 - $5,057 $1,567 - $3,271
4+ bedrooms $7,870 - $12,749 $3,245 - $6,684 $1,980 - $4,303
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,669 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Missoula

The cost of Portland 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 Portland to Missoula can be as low as $1,481 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,808.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, 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 $1,403 to $3,737. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Portland to Missoula?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to Missoula will cost between $1,481 to $6,011. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,184 to $8,577, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Portland to Missoula will cost from $7,870 to $12,749.

How much are moving container companies from Portland to Missoula?

Moving containers from Portland to Missoula will cost you $1,299 to $3,336 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,474 to $5,057. A larger home will cost $3,245 to $6,684.

How much is a moving truck from Portland to Missoula?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,403 to $2,691. A larger move will cost $1,567 to $3,271, and a four-bedroom move from Portland to Missoula costs from $1,980 to $4,303. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Portland to Missoula

Cost of living: Portland vs Missoula

Portland Missoula
Average rent cost $2,190 $1,345
Average home value $522,252 $539,357
Average income (per capita) $62,646 $57,597
Cost of Living (single person) $2,430 $1,779
Cost of Living (family of 4) $6,125 $5,194
Unemployment rate 5.2% 4.4%
Sales Tax 5.5% 0.0%
State Income Tax 5.8% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Missoula are 39% lower than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Missoula are 3.3% higher than in Portland.
  • Income in Missoula is 8.1% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Missoula is 26.8% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 15.2% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Missoula is 15.38% lower than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in Missoula are 16.38% higher than in Portland.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,196.30 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How is life different in Portland compared to Missoula?

Missoula Portland
Population 73,489 68,408
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 45 62
Bike friendliness score 60 68
Crime Index 33.27 19.79
Safety Index 66.73 67.22
Air Quality Good Good
  • Missoula's population is about 7% greater than Portland.
  • Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 6.
  • Missoula is less walkable than Portland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • Missoula is less bike-friendly than Portland with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Portland's 68.
  • Missoula's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 33.27 compared to Portland's 19.79. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 19.79%.
  • Missoula is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 66.73 vs Portland's 67.22.
  • Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Portland it's good.

Considerations for moving to Missoula

  • 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.

Local Portland movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
422 1/2 Fore St Suite #1, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 890-7475
Bisson Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME, 04092
(207) 591-1000

Visit our best long distance movers in Portland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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 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

What to do in Missoula

These are some of the best things to do in your new Montana home.

  • A Carousel for Missoula
  • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
  • Fort Missoula Museum
  • Missoula Art Museum
  • Dragon Hollow Play Area
  • Montana Snowbowl
  • Lolo National Forest
  • Wilma Theater
  • Mount Sentinel (Mount Woody)
  • St. Francis Xavier Church

Get your sports on!

Missoula is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Portland to Missoula?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Missoula?

Because most people are moving from Portland 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 Portland to Missoula take?

The 2,669-mile move from Portland, ME, to Missoula, MT, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Portland 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