Movers

Montana to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 2,016 mile interstate move from Montana to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like rural isolation vs vibrant city life), food & health (like Buffalo steak vs Half-smoke), real estate & housing (rustic, lodge vs federal, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Buffalo steak and Elk burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Half-smoke & Fried chicken
  • DC housing costs are 36% more expensive than they are in Montana
  • Rent in DC is 70.26% more expensive than in Montana
  • Moving from Montana to DC will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended Montana to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

Montana to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to DC

ConsMontana iconMontana
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Severe winters
  • Lack of cultural events
ProsDC iconDC
  • Vibrant city life
  • Abundant job market
  • Milder climate
  • Cultural richness

DC iconDC
  • Urban congestion
  • High noise levels
  • Less community feel
  • Limited outdoor spaces
Montana iconMontana
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Peaceful living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Outdoor recreation

Pros of moving from Montana to DC

  • Say goodbye to rural isolation and hello to vibrant city life
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to DC with an abundant job market
  • Swap the severe winters of Montana for a milder climate in DC
  • Get ready for cultural richness in DC

Cons of moving from Montana to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning landscapes in Montana to live with urban congestion in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of peaceful living and have to settle for the con of high noise levels
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a less community feel in DC
  • Swap outdoor recreation for limited outdoor spaces

Montana vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMontanaDC
Most iconic local food itemBuffalo steakHalf-smoke
Most popular meat dishElk burgersFried chicken
Most popular street food itemWild huckleberry jam productsJumbo slice pizza
Most popular vegan foodLentil burgerChickpea curry
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Mint CafΓ© & Bar
  • Lewis & Clark Brewing Company
  • Mackenzie River Pizza Co.
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Zaytinya
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Montana to DC, you will be trading the iconic Buffalo steak of Montana for the equally delicious Half-smoke of DC. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Elk burgers and sumptuous Wild huckleberry jam products, DC residents know they have tasty Fried chicken and Jumbo slice pizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chickpea curry of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like The Mint CafΓ© & Bar, Lewis & Clark Brewing Company, and Mackenzie River Pizza Co. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Zaytinya.

When comparing lifestyles, DC shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Montana. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in DC compared to what you are used to in Montana. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in DC.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and DC

ComparisonMontanaDC
Typical Architecture StyleRustic, LodgeFederal, Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, AcreageProximity to metro, Rooftop decks
  • The Rustic and Lodge architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and acreage, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to metro and rooftop decks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Montana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Montana.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Montana.
  • DC housing costs are 36% more expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
  • Rent in DC is 70.26% more expensive than in Montana.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Montana and DC

ComparisonMontanaDC
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersWildfires, FloodingHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 45Β°F89Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 10Β°F47Β°F / 29Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15"40"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)55"22"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to DC. DC gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
  • DC has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Montana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and flooding in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in DC.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 7 degrees warmer than in Montana.
  • The average winter lows in DC are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 25 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and DC

ComparisonMontanaDC
Avg. Household Income$67,631$101,027
Cost of Living Index99.4140.1
State Income Tax6.9%8.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6%
Top 3 IndustriesForestry, Tourism, AgricultureGovernment, Education, Professional Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 49% more than in Montana
  • The COLI in DC is 41% higher than what you are used to living in Montana
  • The state income tax in DC is 8.5% compared to 6.9% in MT
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate in Montana
  • The poverty level is low in DC compared to moderate in Montana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Montana and moderate in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. DC

ComparisonMontanaDC
Political Make-upLean RepublicanStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsRural interests dominateUrban issues and policies
ReligionProtestant, CatholicDiverse, with a significant Catholic presence
  • Montana tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • D.C., on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • D.C.'s religious environment can be described as diverse, with a significant Catholic presence
  • Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to DC

ComparisonMontanaDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Montana State University (Bozeman)
University of Montana (Missoula)
Montana Tech (Butte)
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBozeman Summit School (Bozeman)
Cold Springs Elementary School (Missoula)
Arrowhead School (Pray)
BASIS DC
School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens
Janney Elementary School
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
C.S. Porter Middle School (Missoula)
Clancy 7-8 (Clancy)
Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
McKinley Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsBozeman High School (Bozeman)
Hellgate High School (Missoula)
Sentinel High School (Missoula)
School Without Walls High School
Banneker High School
Benjamin Franklin High School
Top 3 private high schoolsMount Ellis Academy (Bozeman)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Yellowstone Academy (Billings)
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPetra Academy (Bozeman)
Valley Christian School (Missoula)
Stillwater Christian School (Kalispell)
Maret School
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
Top 3 School DistrictsBozeman High School District
Missoula County Public Schools
Helena Public Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools
Friendship Public Charter School
KIPP DC

How Much Do Montana to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 2,016 miles from Montana to DC will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,345300 ft3$7.82
1 Bedroom$3,496450 ft3$7.77
2 Bedrooms$5,789750 ft3$7.72
3 Bedrooms$8,4351100 ft3$7.67
4 Bedrooms$12,1891600 ft3$7.62
5+ Bedrooms$13,6221800 ft3$7.57

Top Montana to DC Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Montana to DC movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Montana to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Moving On Up

Moving On Up

8.79/10