Moving from Missoula to Arizona
If you're leaving Missoula, MT for Arizona, you've got a 1,165-mile haul ahead—long enough that you'll want the right mover or rental option in your corner. I've put together what you need to know about costs, which operators actually deliver on their promises, and what to expect from the lifestyle shift once you land.
Best moving companies from Missoula to Arizona
Three local Missoula movers can handle the interstate haul. Here's how they stack up:
- Two Men and a Truck — 4.38 / 5
- Montana Transfer — 4.34 / 5
- All Lanes Moving & Storage — 4.22 / 5
Two Men and a Truck
Rating: 4.38 / 5 (19 Yelp reviews, 76 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Two Men and a Truck pulls in high marks for professionalism and speed. Out of 132 reviews analyzed, 77% came back positive. Customers consistently mention efficient work, careful handling of belongings, good communication, and movers who actually show up on time. That kind of reliability is rare.
The trade-off: a handful of complaints about surprise charges and final costs running higher than estimates. A few folks also mentioned damage or unclear pricing going in. The lesson here is to nail down your quote and insurance coverage before signing—don't leave it vague.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
Contact: (607) 644-7509
Years in business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Montana Transfer
Rating: 4.34 / 5 (22 Yelp reviews, 2 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: B−
Montana Transfer has been around since the 1960s—61 years in business—but the reviews paint a harder picture here. Only 27% of feedback is positive; 69% went negative. Some customers praise the team's politeness and knowledge, but the majority report serious damage to belongings, late arrivals, missed delivery windows, and poor communication. Billing discrepancies and delays pop up more often than at most other operators.
If cost is your only factor, Montana Transfer might look tempting. But for a 1,165-mile move, you're taking real risk on timeline and care.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, crating, shipment tracking, storage
Contact: (406) 728-8080
Years in business: 61
DOT #: 514197
All Lanes Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.22 / 5 (8 Yelp reviews, 8 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
All Lanes stands out for consistency. Ninety-two percent of their 25 reviews came back positive. Customers rave about professionalism, careful handling, efficiency, and—notably—fair pricing. They move faster than the industry norm and keep costs reasonable.
The weak spot: two reports of lost or damaged items and packing quality concerns. For a long-distance move, that's worth a direct conversation about valuation coverage and packing specifics.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes
Contact: (406) 400-9616
State License #: 917105
Years in business: 25
Moving services available in Missoula
Here's a quick snapshot of what local Missoula movers offer:
| Service | # of Movers | % Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 3 | 100% |
| Pianos | 3 | 100% |
| Art | 2 | 67% |
| Small moves | 1 | 33% |
| Fragile-only packing | 1 | 33% |
| Antiques | 0 | 0% |
Cost to move from Missoula, MT to Arizona
Here's what you'll spend depending on your move size and service type:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,389–$5,277 | $867–$2,119 | $709–$1,389 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,916–$6,660 | $1,552–$3,019 | $781–$1,524 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,908–$9,035 | $1,998–$3,833 | $981–$1,858 |
Estimates based on a 1,165-mile move from Missoula, MT to Arizona, using verified rates refreshed monthly. Final costs vary by move scope, add-ons, parking constraints, fuel, and season. Always compare quotes from multiple movers.
Full-service moving from Missoula to Arizona
Hiring a full-service moving company means the crew handles packing, loading, transport, and unloading. You sit back.
- Studio or 1-bedroom: $1,389–$5,277
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,916–$6,660
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,908–$9,035
Higher estimates hit when you add packing services, specialty items (pianos, art), or if moving day falls during peak summer season.
Moving containers from Missoula to Arizona
Moving containers let you pack on your schedule, then the company transports. Cost depends on container size and how long you occupy it.
- Studio or 1-bedroom: $867–$2,119
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,552–$3,019
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,998–$3,833
Truck rentals from Missoula to Arizona
Renting a truck is the cheapest path—if you're willing to do the heavy lifting yourself.
- Studio or 1-bedroom: $709–$1,389
- 2–3 bedrooms: $781–$1,524
- 4+ bedrooms: $981–$1,858
Figures include estimated fuel. You handle all packing, driving, and unloading. It's a grind over 1,165 miles, so factor in rest stops and potential equipment rentals (dolly, moving blankets).
What affects your moving cost
Several factors shift the final price:
- Move size: More belongings = higher cost. Simple math.
- Season: Summer is peak moving season in Missoula. Winter and early spring often run 20–30% cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck saves money upfront, but hiring movers saves your back and schedule.
- Add-ons: Packing, storage, specialty item handling (pianos, artwork) all bump the bill.
- Parking and access: Tight streets or buildings without loading zones can tack on time and cost.
Before you move: Missoula vs. Arizona at a glance
Cost of living stays roughly even, but some details matter.
Cost of living comparison
| Metric | Missoula, MT | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,308/mo |
| Average home cost | $544,475 | $428,711 |
| Per capita income | $59,180 | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 2.5% |
The takeaway: Rent is nearly identical, so your monthly housing budget translates. But homes cost roughly 21% less in Arizona, and your paycheque stretches further—average incomes are 23% higher. Income tax is 63% lower in Arizona, meaning more money in your pocket. Job availability is slightly better too (unemployment is lower).
Climate and lifestyle
| Aspect | Missoula, MT | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 7,431,344 |
| Summer high | 85°F | 99°F |
| Winter low | 16°F | 34°F |
| Annual rain | 15″ | 12″ |
| Annual snow | 40″ | 6″ |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 24.89 |
Here's what changes:
- Heat: Arizona summers hit 99°F—nearly 15 degrees hotter. Expect higher AC bills and a very different daily rhythm. You'll be indoors during peak afternoon heat, outdoors early morning and evening.
- Winter: Missoula's 16°F winters drop to 34°F in Arizona. Less shoveling, lower heating costs, easier seasonal living.
- Snow: Arizona averages 6 inches annually vs. Missoula's 40. If you've been shoveling driveways every winter, this is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.
- Rain: Nearly the same (12″ vs. 15″), so no major shift in wet-weather patterns.
- Crime: Arizona's index (24.89) is lower than Missoula's (33.27)—safer neighborhoods overall.
- Scale: Arizona's population is roughly 95 times larger. You're moving from a tight-knit college town to a sprawling metro region.
Practical details before you move
State regulations
Arizona is largely unregulated for movers, but operators must comply with Arizona Department of Public Safety and Department of Weights and Measures rules. Verify your mover has proper licensing before booking.
Permits and reservations
- Moving truck parking permits: Check your destination city for truck parking rules. Some areas require advance permits.
- Elevator: If moving into a high-rise, reserve the elevator well ahead of time.
- HOA rules: Review your new community's moving guidelines—some have restricted hours or specific entry points.
Change of address
File your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving. Set your official move date so mail forwards smoothly. Start here.
Moving insurance
Released Value Protection comes free from movers but covers only 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV damaged? You get $15. For full-value coverage, discuss alternatives with your mover or buy third-party insurance.
Helpful tool
Use our moving checklist to keep everything organized and avoid last-minute scrambles.
What to do in Arizona
Arizona offers plenty once you arrive.
Museums:
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park
Parks & outdoors:
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
Sports:
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Phoenix Suns (NBA)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
Universities:
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College
FAQ
How long does a move from Missoula to Arizona take?
Typically two to eight days, depending on your chosen service. Full-service moves and containers take longer than truck rentals. Summer moves may extend timelines during peak season. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Missoula accept cash?
No movers in Missoula currently list cash as payment. Most require credit card, ACH, or certified funds. You'll typically pay a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery.
Can I ship my car from Missoula to Arizona?
Yes. If you're relocating your vehicle, find an operator who specializes in car shipping and knows how to handle your specific vehicle type.
What's the best long-distance mover near Missoula?
Based on customer feedback and reliability, Two Men and a Truck and All Lanes Moving & Storage are your strongest local options for interstate moves to Arizona.
Next steps
Ready to move? Get moving quotes from multiple operators and compare pricing. Ask each mover for a binding estimate, full insurance details, and a delivery timeline. Don't book on price alone—track down recent reviews and verify licensing first.