Factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Missoulatoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Missoula might cost as little as $1,642, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $12,730.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Detroit, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,341 to $3,170. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Missoula

Moving from Detroit to Missoula means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Detroit than in Missoula, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Detroit compares to Missoula so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Detroit Missoula
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,322
Average home value $73,156 $544,475
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $59,180
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $2,011
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $5,832
Unemployment rate 9.06% 4.4%
Sales tax 6.0% 0.0%
State income tax 4.25% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Missoula are 6% higher than in Detroit, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
    Home prices in Missoula are 644.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Missoula is 56.7% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Missoula include Walmart AT&T, Target, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Missoula is 19.6% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 12.8% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Missoula is 51.43% lower than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Missoula, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Missoula are 58.82% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,413.20 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Missoula

Missoula Detroit
Population 77,757 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 45 51
Bike friendliness score 60 52
Crime Index 33.27 72.92
Safety Index 66.73 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Missoula's population is about 88% less than Detroit.
  • Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Missoula is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 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 Detroit with a score of 33.27 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Missoula is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 66.73 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Montana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Montana doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Missoula. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Missoula

Ready to relocate to "Garden City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Missoula.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Missoula

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 Detroit to Missoula?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Detroit to Missoula. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Detroit.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Detroit to Missoula, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Detroit to Missoula take?

The 1,874-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Missoula, MT typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Detroit offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Missoula.

Helpful moving resources