($1,347) Moving From Montana to Washington

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Montana to Washington ranges from $504 to $6,131 and takes one-six 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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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  • Unlimited storage
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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Montana moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. 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 Montana to Washington separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Montana to Washington movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Montana to Washington 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 Montana to Washington:

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
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best customer service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
(855) 929-4120
At A Glance
  • 10% discount for veterans and seniors
  • Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
  • Services local, long-distance, and international moves
  • Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
  • 24/7 customer service
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(855) 929-4120
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
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
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) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Montana movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
1620 Rodgers Street, Missoula, MT, 59802
(607) 644-7509
Mesa Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
1414 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT, 59601
(406) 442-9470

Visit our Best Movers in Montana page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,347 - $4,073 $703 - $1,682 $467 - $917
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,434 - $6,131 $1,303 - $2,374 $504 - $995
4+ bedrooms $4,539 - $8,692 $1,626 - $3,172 $667 - $1,216

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 663 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.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to WA

There are many factors that influence Montana moving costs. The cost to move from Montana to Washington 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 Montana 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.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Montana to Washington?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Montana to Washington will cost between $1,347 and $4,073. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MT to WA will range from $2,434 to $6,131, and a large move from Montana to Washington will cost from $4,539 to $8,692.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Montana to Washington?

Moving containers from Montana to Washington will cost you $703 to $1,682 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,303 to $2,374. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,626 to $3,172. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Montana to Washington?

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 $467 to $917. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $504 to $995, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Montana to Washington costs from $667 to $1,216.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Montana to Washington a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Montana vs. Washington

Montana Washington
Average rent cost $974 $1,900
Average home cost $462,631 $588,856
Average income (per capita) $66,341 $90,325
Cost of Living Index 100 115
Unemployment rate 3.3% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 0.0% 6.5%
State Income Tax 6.75% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 95% more expensive in Washington than in Montana.
  • Home prices are about 27% higher in Washington than in Montana.
  • The average income is about 36% higher in Washington than in Montana.
  • Cost of living is 15% lower in Washington than in Montana.
  • Washington has a higher unemployment rate than Montana by about 45%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in Washington than in Montana.
  • Washington has no income tax.

How does life in Washington differ from Montana?

Washington Montana
Population 7,812,880 1,132,812
Political leaning Democratic Republican 58.4-38.5
Summer high 79ºF 84ºF
Winter low 31ºF 12ºF
Annual rain 38" 15"
Annual snow 18" 49"
Crime index 37.32 23.37
  • The population of Washington is approximately 590% greater than the population of Montana.
  • In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and Montana voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF and in Montana, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF and Montana gets down to 12ºF.
  • You can expect about thirty-eight inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus fifteen inches of rainfall in Montana.
  • In Washington, it snows about eighteen inches annually versus forty-nine inches of snow in Montana.
  • Washington has a higher crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 37.32 vs 23.37.

Comparing the pros of Montana vs. Washington

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

Pros of living in Montana Pros of living in Washington
Unmatched natural beauty Beautiful landscapes
Bountiful outdoor opportunities Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity High quality of life
Delicious unique cuisine Bountiful recreational opportunities
No traffic Delicious seafood

Comparing the cons of living in Montana vs. Washington

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Montana for Washington.

Cons of living in Montana Cons of living in Washington
Dangerous wildlife Constant rain
Remote lifestyle Bad traffic
Touristy High cost of living
Lacking in urban amenities High crime rate
Challenging weather Natural disasters

What to know before your move to Washington

  • Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
  • 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Washington 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 Washington. 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. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Washington

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

  • Olympic National Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • The Space Needle and Seattle Center
  • Pike Place Market
  • The Museum of Flight
  • Snoqualmie Falls
  • Lake Chelan
  • Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
  • North Cascades National Park
  • San Juan Islands
  • Leavenworth
  • Museum of Glass
  • Washington State Capitol Building
  • Bellingham
  • Puget Sound
  • Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  • Spokane Riverfront Park
  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Washington State Ferries
  • Port Angeles

FAQs

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

The cheapest way to move from Montana to Washington is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

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

The main reasons people are moving from Montana to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington such as beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Washington?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Montana than in Washington. Housing is much more affordable in Montana, with average rent about 49% less and home prices 21% lower than in Washington. Washington has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Washington you live For example, larger cities like Aberdeen and Airway Heights will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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