($634+) Portland, ME to Lexington, KY Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $634 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,195 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,023 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 $2,326, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,195 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,104 - $3,681, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $634 - $1,759.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Lexington, KY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,811 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 Lexington, KY
There are 3 main ways to move from Portland to Lexington: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,811 - $7,017. Moving containers run about 47% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 76% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,023-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,023-mile route from Portland to Lexington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,326 - $5,344 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,104 - $2,161), rental truck ($634 - $1,291), or freight trailer ($1,004 - $2,001). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,811 - $7,017 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,195.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Lexington, KY
Full-service movers for the 1,023-mile relocation from Portland, Maine, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $2,326 and $9,195. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $311 - $2,072, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Portland typically charge a base rate around $382 plus $135 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,326 - $5,344
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,811 - $7,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,514 - $9,195
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 Lexington.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Lexington, KY
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lexington, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| 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 | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Lexington?
- 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Portland, ME, 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 Portland, ME to Lexington, KY
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $1,104 and $3,681. 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 Lexington. If you go over that window, storage in Portland adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,161
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,827
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,936 - $3,681
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $155 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Lexington, KY, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $725 in Portland, ME. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Kentucky 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 $1,104. 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 $1,495 - $2,827.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Lexington?
- 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 Lexington, KY
Plan on $634 - $1,759 for a rental moving truck on the 1,023-mile route from Portland, Maine, to Lexington, Kentucky. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $337 - $385
- 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 Lexington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $634 - $1,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $685 - $1,549
- 4+ bedrooms: $861 - $1,759
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Portland to Lexington starts at $634 - $1,759, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($337 - $385), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Portland, Maine, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $725.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $337 - $385 for the 1,023-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 $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 1,023-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $466.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Lexington?
- 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 Lexington, KY
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 Lexington, Kentucky.
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 $1,124 and $2,332.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Lexington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,004 - $2,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,124 - $2,332
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,533 - $3,006
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 $78 - $155 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about five hours typically runs $725.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Lexington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Lexington fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Lexington, KY
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lexington, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,345/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $272,002 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $67,631/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 4.0% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 90/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 49.12/100 |
| 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 Lexington, KY to Portland, ME guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Kentucky, 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. Maine alone has 46 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,023-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Portland, ME, to Lexington, KY, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,326 - $9,195 on the 1,023-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,104 - $3,681 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $634 - $1,759 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,811 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include A&W Restaurants and University of Kentucky.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Lexington, KY
What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, ME to Lexington, KY?
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 $685 - $1,549. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Lexington a safe place to live?
Lexington has a safety index of 49.12 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.88, compared to 67.84 and 32.16 in Portland. 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Lexington, KY?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Kentucky?
Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.