Moving from Reno to Missoula

Missoula is a university town where the Clark Fork meets the Bitterroot, 3,168 feet above sea level. Census flows show about 187 people a year going from Washoe County to Missoula County, with a wide margin. The page below covers snow, housing and the Montana rules on arrival.

Winter is the main planning fact

At the Missoula airport station, NOAA lists a January high of 31.6 degrees and a low of 18.0, and 43.0 inches of snow a year. Reno's January high is 47.7 and its yearly snow is 20.9. July highs are close, at 85.4 in Missoula and 93.9 in Reno, and annual precipitation is 14.11 inches.

A winter delivery in Missoula needs a driveway that is plowed and a path that is clear. Tell your estimator about the street and the access, because the crew carries furniture further when the truck cannot get close.

Montana's license and registration rules

Montana law gives new residents 60 consecutive days to convert a valid license, and 30 days for a commercial license. The statute on vehicle registration says a resident who owns a vehicle must register it in the county of domicile and states no day count, so check with your county treasurer or the Motor Vehicle Division before you settle on a date.

Montana has no general sales tax, according to its Department of Revenue, and the individual income tax has a top rate of 5.65 percent for 2026. Nevada has no individual income tax, so ask a tax professional how to file the move year.

Missoula housing

The American Community Survey puts the median home value in the city at $473,100 and median gross rent at $1,189. The Missoula metro lists medians of $466,400 and $1,184. The Reno metro lists medians of $502,300 and $1,592. About 53.0 percent of city households rent, a high share, which reflects the University of Montana.

The median age in the city is 34.7. If you are moving a student or a first apartment, storage can hold what does not fit.

The load from Sparks

A move starts with the free in-home estimate in Reno or Sparks and 10 free heavy-duty boxes. You book with O'Brien's, we coordinate the shipment through the Bekins network, and your written estimate sets the delivery window. See the interstate move guide.

The route data counts about 763 miles and 2 driving days at 500 miles a day. Vault storage from $40 per month holds goods while your Missoula home is made ready.