($845+) Birmingham, AL to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $820 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,279 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,281 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,362, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,279 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,384 - $4,629, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $820 - $2,433.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,009 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 Birmingham, AL to Portland, ME
Moving options from Birmingham to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,009 - $6,714 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 1,281-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,281-mile route from Birmingham to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,362 - $5,360, container $1,384 - $2,575, rental truck $820 - $1,628, freight trailer $1,233 - $2,183.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,009 - $6,714, container $1,681 - $3,661, rental truck $905 - $1,824, freight trailer $1,441 - $2,929.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,120 - $9,279, container $2,302 - $4,629, rental truck $1,148 - $2,433, freight trailer $1,822 - $3,777.
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 Birmingham, AL to Portland, ME
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,281-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Portland, Maine, with prices running from $2,362 - $9,279. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $291 - $1,940 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Birmingham and Portland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Birmingham movers tend to run around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,362 - $5,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,009 - $6,714
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,120 - $9,279
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 Birmingham to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama 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 Birmingham, AL to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham 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 | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Portland?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Maine Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Birmingham, AL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,384 and $4,629. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Portland. If you go over that window, storage in Birmingham adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,384 - $2,575
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,681 - $3,661
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,302 - $4,629
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $73 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $146 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $679 in Birmingham, AL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Portland, ME, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama 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 $1,384. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,681 - $3,661, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Portland, ME
Renting a moving truck for the 1,281-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Portland, Maine, costs between $820 and $2,433, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $395 - $452
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Birmingham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Birmingham to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $820 - $1,628
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $905 - $1,824
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,148 - $2,433
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $820 - $2,433 does not include fuel ($395 - $452) , lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Birmingham to Portland typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Birmingham, Alabama, usually costs about $679 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,281-mile drive falls between $395 and $452, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $291 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Birmingham, Alabama, 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 $1,441 and $2,929.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $2,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,441 - $2,929
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,822 - $3,777
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $73 - $146 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 Birmingham, Alabama, typically costs $679.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham 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.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs Portland, ME
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 67.84/100 |
| 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 Portland, ME to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Maine, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 46 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 1,281-mile move.
Our take
A move from Birmingham, AL, to Portland, ME, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,362 - $9,279 on the 1,281-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,384 - $4,629, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $820 - $2,433. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,009 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Portland, ME
How long does a move from Birmingham, AL 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 are the best neighborhoods in Portland?
For families, Deering Center, East End, and Rosemont are worth a look in Portland. If you're moving solo or without kids, East End, West End, and West Bayside tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Birmingham, AL 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 $905 - $1,824. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Portland a safe place to live?
Portland has a safety index of 67.84 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.16, compared to 38.36 and 61.64 in Birmingham. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
