($850+) Madison, WI to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $793 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,128 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,236 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,421, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,128 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,361 - $4,534, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $793 - $2,332.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,877 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Portland, ME
Moving options from Madison to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,877 - $6,587 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,236-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,236-mile route from Madison to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,421 for a studio up to $9,128 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,361 - $4,534 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $793 - $2,332, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,177 - $3,518, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Portland, ME
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,236-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Portland, Maine, with prices running from $2,421 - $9,128. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $320 - $2,132 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Madison and Portland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Madison movers tend to run around $371 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,421 - $5,447
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,877 - $6,587
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,954 - $9,128
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Madison to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Portland, 78% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Portland?
Maine Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maine, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Madison, WI, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,361 and $4,534. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Madison costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,361 - $2,552
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,352
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,283 - $4,534
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Madison, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $746, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $80 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $160 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Madison, WI, and Portland, ME, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Maine move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,361. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,719 - $3,352, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Portland?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Madison to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Madison:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
- Du Frane Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 95 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Portland, ME
Truck rentals from Madison, Wisconsin, to Portland, Maine, range from $793 - $2,332 for the 1,236-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $419 - $479
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Madison to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $793 - $1,484
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $849 - $1,875
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,069 - $2,332
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $793 - $2,332 when pricing out a rental truck from Madison to Portland. Fuel alone runs ($419 - $479) , and overnight lodging ($160/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $746.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $419 - $479 for the 1,236-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $346, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $160 per night for hotel stops on the 1,236-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $320 - $480.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Portland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Madison, WI to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Portland, Maine, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,375 and $2,599.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,177 - $2,209
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,375 - $2,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,790 - $3,518
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $80 - $160 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, typically costs $746.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Larson Transportation, LLC (4.3/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Madison to Portland. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Portland, ME
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Madison and Portland to plan around. Cost of living index: 103 vs. 112. Average rent: $1,600/mo vs. $1,991/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 50 vs. 62. Safety index: 65.43 vs. 67.84.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Madison, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Maine, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Wisconsin alone has 40 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,236-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,236-mile route from Madison, WI, to Portland, ME, run $2,421 - $9,128 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,361 - $4,534, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $793 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,877, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Portland, ME
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $2,421 to $9,128, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,421 and $9,128, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to Portland, ME?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $849 - $1,875. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($419 - $479), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $160/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Portland, ME take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
