($1,533) Cost of Moving From Michigan to Montana

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Michigan to Montana ranges from $1,197 to $8,383 and takes four–15 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
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  • 1,800 trucks
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  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Montana to Michigan guide.

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The best Michigan to Montana full-service movers

Moving from Michigan to Montana? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Michigan for your Montana relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963

The best Michigan to Montana moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Michigan and drop it off at your new home in Montana.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Michigan to Montana moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Michigan to Montana, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Michigan to Montana labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Michigan to Montana:

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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to MT movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Michigan movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Montana?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Michigan to Montana for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,533 - $5,799 $1,106 - $2,896 $1,096 - $2,083
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,441 - $8,383 $2,036 - $4,018 $1,197 - $2,403
4+ bedrooms $6,436 - $11,392 $2,890 - $5,434 $1,435 - $2,878

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,606 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Montanatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Montana will cost between $1,533 and $5,799. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to MT will range from $3,441 to $8,383, and a large move from Michigan to Montana will cost from $6,436 to $11,392.

Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Montanatoggle

Moving containers from Michigan to Montana will cost you $1,106 to $2,896 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,036 to $4,018. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,890 to $5,434. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Montanatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally 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 $1,096 to $2,083. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,197 to $2,403, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Michigan to Montana costs from $1,435 to $2,878.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to MT

There are many factors that influence Michigan moving costs. The cost to move from Michigan to Montana will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from MI to MT

If you’re moving to Montana from Michigan, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Michigan vs. Montana

Michigan Montana
Average rent cost $1,037 $974
Average home cost $245,716 $462,631
Average income (per capita) $68,505 $66,341
Cost of Living Index 92 100
Unemployment rate 4.7% 3.3%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 0.0%
State Income Tax 4.25% 6.75%
  • Rent is about 6% less expensive in Montana than in Michigan.
  • Home prices are about 88% higher in Montana than in Michigan.
  • The average income is about 3% lower in Montana than in Michigan.
  • Cost of living is 9% lower in Montana than in Michigan.
  • Montana has a lower unemployment rate than Michigan by about 30%.
  • Sales taxes are 100% lower in Montana than in Michigan.
  • Income taxes are 59% higher in Montana than in Michigan.

How life is different in Montana vs. Michigan

Montana Michigan
Population 1,132,812 10,037,261
Political leaning Republican 58.4-38.5 Republican 49.7-48.3
Summer high 84ºF 81ºF
Winter low 12ºF 14ºF
Annual rain 15" 34"
Annual snow 49" 64"
Crime index 23.37 19.98
  • The population of Montana is approximately 89% lower than the population of Michigan.
  • In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican and Michigan voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Montana is 84ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Montana reaches the temperature of 12ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
  • You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Montana versus 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
  • In Montana, it snows about 49 inches annually versus 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
  • Montana has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 23.37 vs. 19.98.

Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Montana

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Montana compared to Michigan.

Pros of living in Michigan Pros of living in Montana
Scenic beauty Unmatched natural beauty
Good higher education Bountiful outdoor opportunities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Ample economic opportunity
Low cost of living Delicious unique cuisine
Beautiful lakes No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Montana

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for Montana.

Cons of living in Michigan Cons of living in Montana
Cold snowy winters Dangerous wildlife
Spotty economic opportunity Remote lifestyle
Poor transportation infrastructure Touristy
Expensive education Lacking in urban amenities
Thick accents Challenging weather

Other things to consider for your Michigan to Montana movetoggle

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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 you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Montanatoggle

While you’re in Montana, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Lewis & Clark Trail
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Museum of the Rockies
  • Lake McDonald
  • Montana Historical Society Museum
  • Montana State Capitol
  • The C.M. Russell Museum Complex
  • Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
  • The World Museum of Mining
  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
  • The Moss Mansion
  • Big Sky Resort
  • ZooMontana
  • Conrad Mansion Museum
  • Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
  • Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
  • Ringing Rocks
  • American Computer & Robotics Museum
  • Whitefish Mountain Resort
  • Big Hole National Battlefield
  • Western Heritage Centre
  • Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to Montana?toggle

Hiring a full-service Michigan moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Michigan to Montana?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Michigan to Montana separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Montana?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to Montana are the amazing upsides of living in Montana such as unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Montana?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Michigan than in Montana. Housing is much more affordable in Michigan, with average rent about 7% less and home prices 47% lower than in Montana. Taxes are also lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Montana residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Montana?toggle

You should make approximately $61,348 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Montana. The cost of living in Montana is approximately $1,892 per month for an individual and $5,184 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Montana you live For example, larger cities like Billings and Missoula will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources