($1,163) Cost of Moving From New York to Montana

Quick answer: The average cost to move from New York to Montana ranges from $1,361 to $6,510 and takes six–17 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.

Professional
$1,163 – $2,891
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.85 / 5
read our full review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned
Container
$1,170 – $2,023
Pods
star star star star star 4.8 / 5
read our full review
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Freight
$1,030 – $1,858
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
read our full review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves
Rental Truck
$1,173 – $2,355
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
read our full review
Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

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

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The best New York to Montana full-service movers

Moving from New York 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 New York for your Montana relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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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 for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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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
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Check prices
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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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
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best New York 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 New York and drop it off at your new home in Montana.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

The best New York to Montana moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from New York 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:

Best Value Rental
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

The best New York 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 New York to Montana:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to MT move

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 120 New York 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 New York to Montana?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,163 - $4,657 $1,170 - $3,077 $1,173 - $2,239
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,960 - $6,510 $2,230 - $4,204 $1,361 - $2,806
4+ bedrooms $5,609 - $10,054 $3,001 - $5,741 $1,752 - $3,575

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,115 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 New York to Montana

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New York to Montana will cost between $1,163 and $4,657. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NY to MT will range from $2,960 to $6,510, and a large move from New York to Montana will cost from $5,609 to $10,054.

Cost of moving containers from New York to Montana

Moving containers from New York to Montana will cost you $1,170 to $3,077 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,230 to $4,204. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,001 to $5,741. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to Montana

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 $1,173 to $2,239. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,361 to $2,806, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from New York to Montana costs from $1,752 to $3,575.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from NY to MT

There are many factors that influence New York moving costs. The cost to move from New York 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 New York 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 NY to MT

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

Cost of living: New York vs. Montana

New York Montana
Average rent cost $1,507 $974
Average home cost $482,742 $462,631
Average income (per capita) $81,386 $66,341
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 4.4% 3.3%
Average Sales Tax 8.52% 0.0%
State Income Tax 10.9% 6.75%
  • Rent is about 35% less expensive in Montana than in New York.
  • Home prices are about 4% lower in Montana than in New York.
  • The average income is about 18% lower in Montana than in New York.
  • Cost of living is about the same in Montana and New York.
  • Montana has a lower unemployment rate than New York by about 25%.
  • Sales taxes are 100% lower in Montana than in New York.
  • Income taxes are 38% lower in Montana than in New York.

How life is different in Montana vs. New York

Montana New York
Population 1,132,812 19,571,216
Political leaning Republican 58.4-38.5 Democratic 60-40
Summer high 84ºF 81ºF
Winter low 12ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 15" 44"
Annual snow 49" 62"
Crime index 23.37 21.51
  • The population of Montana is approximately 94% lower than the population of New York.
  • In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican and New York voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Montana is 84ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Montana reaches the temperature of 12ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Montana versus 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
  • In Montana, it snows about 49 inches annually versus 62 inches of snow in New York.
  • Montana has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 23.37 vs. 21.51.

Comparing the pros of New York 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 New York.

Pros of living in New York Pros of living in Montana
Natural beauty Unmatched natural beauty
Arts Bountiful outdoor opportunities
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities Delicious unique cuisine
Distinct seasons No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in New York 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 New York for Montana.

Cons of living in New York Cons of living in Montana
High tax burden Dangerous wildlife
Rough winter weather Remote lifestyle
High cost of living Touristy
Poor quality healthcare Lacking in urban amenities
Populous Challenging weather

Other things to consider for your New York to Montana move

  • 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 Montana

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 New York to Montana?

Hiring a full-service New York 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 New York to Montana?

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 New York to Montana separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from New York to Montana?

The main reasons people are moving from New York 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 New York or Montana?

It is generally cheaper to live in Montana than in New York. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Montana, with average rent about 35% less and home prices 4.2% lower than in New York. Taxes are also lower in Montana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by New York residents.

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

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