($556+) Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH, runs anywhere from $545 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,805 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 738 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,891, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,805 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,515, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $545 - $1,504.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,724 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 Cleveland, OH
Moving options from Portland to Cleveland 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 $2,724 - $6,651 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 738 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 738-mile route from Portland to Cleveland, 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 $1,891 - $4,996 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,084 - $1,950), rental truck ($545 - $1,025), or freight trailer ($995 - $1,791). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,724 - $6,651 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,805.
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 Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH
Full-service movers for the 738-mile relocation from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio, cost between $1,891 and $9,805. 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 $301 - $2,008, 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 Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,891 - $4,996
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,724 - $6,651
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,617 - $9,805
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 Cleveland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Cleveland, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Cleveland?
Movers licensed to operate in Ohio are typically members of the Ohio Association of Movers, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 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 Cleveland, OH
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio, cost between $1,084 and $3,515. 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $1,950
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,364 - $2,758
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,884 - $3,515
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Portland, ME and Cleveland, OH. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $703 in Portland, ME, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $151 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Ohio 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 $1,084. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,364 - $2,758, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Cleveland?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Integrity Movers, 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH
A rental truck for this 738-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio, costs between $545 and $1,504. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $236 - $269
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Cleveland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $545 - $1,025
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $589 - $1,192
- 4+ bedrooms: $706 - $1,504
Pro tip: A rental truck from Portland to Cleveland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $545 - $1,504. But once you factor in fuel ($236 - $269) , overnight lodging ($151/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. 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 $75 and $351.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $151.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $236 and $269 for the 738-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 $703 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 Cleveland?
- 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 Cleveland, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio, 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 $1,125 and $2,316.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $1,791
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,432 - $2,726
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $75 - $151 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 Portland, Maine, typically costs $703.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Cleveland?
- 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.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Portland to Cleveland. 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 Cleveland, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Cleveland, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 83 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,295/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $96,509 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $39,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 57/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 36.59/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Cleveland, OH to Portland, ME guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Ohio in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 15 movers based in Maine, handy for sizing up options on this 738-mile route.
Our take
The 738-mile move from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH, costs between $1,891 and $9,805 with full-service movers, $1,084 - $3,515 with a moving container, and $545 - $1,504 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,724 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cleveland tend to point to abundant food options and beautiful nature, though construction and brutal winters come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What do local movers charge in Portland?
Local movers based in Portland typically start around $382 as a base rate, plus $135/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Cleveland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $1,891 to $9,805, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,891 and $9,805, 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 Cleveland, OH?
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 $589 - $1,192. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
