($1,029+) Mobile, AL to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Mobile, AL, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $1,060 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,701 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,501 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,477, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,701 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,544 - $5,730, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,060 - $2,781.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Mobile, AL, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,619 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME
Moving options from Mobile to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,619 - $7,588 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,501 miles, this route usually takes 4 to 15 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,501-mile route from Mobile to Portland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,477 - $5,730 | $1,544 - $2,954 | $1,060 - $1,952 | $1,474 - $2,738 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,619 - $7,588 | $2,115 - $4,291 | $1,091 - $2,370 | $1,579 - $3,302 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,112 - $11,701 | $2,768 - $5,730 | $1,471 - $2,781 | $2,171 - $4,540 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 31, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,501-mile move from Mobile, Alabama, to Portland, Maine, with prices running from $2,477 - $11,701. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $286 - $1,904 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Mobile and Portland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Mobile movers tend to run around $367 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Mobile to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,477 - $5,730
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,619 - $7,588
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,112 - $11,701
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 Mobile 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: 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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Mobile to Portland) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $190 - $1,142/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $286 - $2,285 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $952 - $2,856 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,380 - $9,520 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $713 - $1,355 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $619 - $1,904 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $286 - $14,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $286 - $3,332+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Portland | $203/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Portland | $73/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Portland | $55/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Mobile 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 Mobile, 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 Mobile, AL to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Mobile, Alabama, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,544 and $5,730. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Mobile typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Mobile to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,544 - $2,954
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,115 - $4,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,768 - $5,730
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Mobile, AL and Portland, ME. 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 $666 in Mobile, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $143 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 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 $1,544. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,115 - $4,291, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Mobile to Portland?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Mobile 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 Mobile:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.3/5), 41 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 2 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME
A rental truck for this 1,501-mile move from Mobile, Alabama, to Portland, Maine, costs between $1,060 and $2,781. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $455 - $520
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Mobile daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Mobile to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,060 - $1,952
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,370
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,471 - $2,781
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,060 - $2,781 when pricing out a rental truck from Mobile to Portland. Fuel alone runs ($455 - $520) , and overnight lodging ($143/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $333.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $143.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $455 and $520 for the 1,501-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 $666 for 2 movers in Mobile, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Mobile to Portland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Freight trailer costs from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Mobile, Alabama, to Portland, Maine. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,579 and $3,302.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Mobile to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,474 - $2,738
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,579 - $3,302
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,171 - $4,540
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Mobile, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $666.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $71 and $143 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Mobile to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Baldwin Transfer Company, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Baldwin Transfer Company, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Portland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Mobile, 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 Mobile on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Mobile, AL | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $168,803 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $51,090/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 32/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 35.05/100 | 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 Mobile, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 378 real quotes from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME, 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. Alabama alone has 46 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,501-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Mobile, AL, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,477 for a studio to $11,701 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,501-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,544 - $5,730. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,060 - $2,781, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,619 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Mobile, AL, to Portland, ME
How do I know a mover is licensed in Maine?
Although a local license is not required in Maine, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($455 - $520), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $143/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 32 and 34 in Mobile. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $2,477 to $11,701, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,477 and $11,701, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
