Moving to Montana: costs, checklist and what to know
Montana at a glance for movers: West region · largest city Billings · capital Helena · Mountain time.
Quick facts for moving to Montana
- Income tax: Montana taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Montana Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: No general sales tax, though some resort towns charge a local resort tax.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Montana driver's license within 60 days, according to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Billings (about 1,150 road miles) runs roughly $1,730–$3,290 with a rental truck or $3,240–$7,440 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Montana
- Montana has no general sales tax, though some resort towns charge a local resort tax.
- Billings is the largest city; Missoula and Bozeman are smaller but fast-growing, with tight rental markets.
- Distances are long and services sparse on some routes, so plan fuel stops for a loaded truck.
Main cities and metros include Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena. Montana borders Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota.
How much does it cost to move to Montana?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Billings, the largest city in Montana. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 2,110 | $3,020–$5,700 | $4,780–$10,900 |
| Los Angeles | 1,150 | $1,730–$3,290 | $3,240–$7,440 |
| Chicago | 1,290 | $1,870–$3,550 | $3,460–$7,940 |
| Dallas | 1,310 | $1,890–$3,590 | $3,500–$8,020 |
| Atlanta | 1,820 | $2,720–$5,160 | $4,310–$9,850 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Montana moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Montana
June through September. Snow can close mountain passes from October to May.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Montana new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Montana: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Montana?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 1,150 miles from Los Angeles to Billings costs roughly $1,730–$3,290 if you rent a truck or $3,240–$7,440 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Montana have a state income tax?
Yes. Montana taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Montana Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Montana?
No general sales tax, though some resort towns charge a local resort tax.
How long do I have to get a Montana driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Montana?
June through September. Snow can close mountain passes from October to May.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Montana Department of Revenue and the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.