($702+) Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $702 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,196 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,135 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 $2,506, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,196 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,218 - $4,313, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $702 - $2,016.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,849 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 Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN
Moving options from Portland to Chattanooga fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,849 - $7,017 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 44% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,135 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,135-mile route from Portland to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,506 - $5,528 with full-service movers, $1,218 - $2,321 with a container, $702 - $1,337 with a rental truck, or $1,041 - $2,069 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,849 - $7,017 full-service, $1,600 - $3,107 by container, $798 - $1,688 by rental truck, or $1,305 - $2,511 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,028 - $9,196 full-service, $2,185 - $4,313 by container, $983 - $2,016 by rental truck, or $1,612 - $3,318 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,135-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $2,506 - $9,196. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $310 - $2,064. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Portland and Chattanooga. Local movers in Portland typically start around $382 as a base rate plus $135/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,506 - $5,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,849 - $7,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,028 - $9,196
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 Portland to Chattanooga.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chattanooga, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $516 - $5,160 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $206 - $1,238/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,477 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,032 - $3,096 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,580 - $10,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $773 - $1,469 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Allen & Coles Moving Systems | $1,032 - $2,580 |
| Piano | Any piano type53% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $826 - $3,612 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $310 - $1,548 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $671 - $2,064 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,480+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,612+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Chattanooga?
- 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Portland, ME. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,218 and $4,313. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Portland runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,218 - $2,321
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,600 - $3,107
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,185 - $4,313
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 Portland, ME, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $722, 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 $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $155 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Portland, ME, and Chattanooga, TN, 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 Maine to Tennessee 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 $1,218. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,600 - $3,107.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Chattanooga?
- 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 Portland 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 Portland:
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 0 years in business
- SC Moving Services (5.0/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN
Truck rentals from Portland, Maine, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, range from $702 - $2,016 for the 1,135-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $373 - $426
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Portland to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $702 - $1,337
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $798 - $1,688
- 4+ bedrooms: $983 - $2,016
Pro tip: A rental truck from Portland to Chattanooga looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $702 - $2,016. But once you factor in fuel ($373 - $426), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $77 and $361.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $155.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $373 and $426 for the 1,135-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $722 for 2 movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Chattanooga?
- 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 Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN
For larger DIY moves from Portland, Maine, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,305 and $2,511.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,041 - $2,069
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,511
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,612 - $3,318
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $77 - $155 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about five hours typically runs $722.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Chattanooga?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Portland to Chattanooga. 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: Portland, ME vs Chattanooga, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chattanooga, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 90 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,475/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $259,125 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $61,028/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | None |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 46.11/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Portland, ME guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 25 movers in our Maine network to compare for this 1,135-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,135-mile route from Portland, ME, to Chattanooga, TN, run $2,506 - $9,196 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,218 - $4,313, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $702 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,849, 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 Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Chattanooga, TN
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 4 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 Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $702 to $9,196, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,506 and $9,196, 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 Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN?
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 $798 - $1,688. 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 ($373 - $426), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 53% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.