($768+) Portland, ME to Milwaukee, WI Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Milwaukee, WI, runs anywhere from $792 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,113 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,181 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 $2,639, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,113 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,298 - $4,351, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $792 - $2,123.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Milwaukee, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,098 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 Milwaukee, WI
Moving options from Portland to Milwaukee fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,098 - $7,059 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 1,181-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,181-mile route from Portland to Milwaukee, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,639 for a studio up to $10,113 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,298 - $4,351 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $792 - $2,123, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,169 - $3,410, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Milwaukee, WI
For the 1,181-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $2,639 and $10,113. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $307 - $2,048 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Portland generally start around $382 plus $135 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,639 - $5,587
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,098 - $7,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,507 - $10,113
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 Milwaukee.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Milwaukee, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Milwaukee, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| 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 | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Milwaukee?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Portland, ME. 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 Portland, ME to Milwaukee, WI
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $1,298 and $4,351. 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 Portland typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,298 - $2,432
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,623 - $3,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,287 - $4,351
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $717 in Portland, ME. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $77 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $154 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Milwaukee, WI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Wisconsin 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 $1,298. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,623 - $3,287, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Milwaukee?
- 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 Milwaukee, WI
Truck rentals from Portland, Maine, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, range from $792 - $2,123 for the 1,181-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $385 - $440
- Daily insurance: $31/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 Milwaukee based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $792 - $1,479
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $830 - $1,849
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,066 - $2,123
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $792 - $2,123 does not include fuel ($385 - $440) , lodging ($154/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Portland to Milwaukee 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 $154 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 Portland, Maine, usually costs about $717 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,181-mile drive falls between $385 and $440, 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 $51 and $307 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Milwaukee?
- 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 Milwaukee, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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 $1,379 and $2,711.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,169 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,711
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,410
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 $77 - $154 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 $717.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Milwaukee?
- 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.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock 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: Portland, ME vs Milwaukee, WI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Milwaukee, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 88 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $171,025 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $51,888/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 33.24/100 |
| 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 Milwaukee, WI to Portland, ME guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maine to Wisconsin, 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 15 movers in Maine, so you have real options to compare for this 1,181-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to Milwaukee, WI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,639 for a studio to $10,113 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,181-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,298 - $4,351. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $792 - $2,123, 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 $3,098 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 Johnson Controls and Aurora Health Care.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Milwaukee, WI
How much does it cost to move from Portland, ME to Milwaukee, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $2,639 to $10,113, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,639 and $10,113, 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 Portland, ME to Milwaukee, WI?
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.
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 Milwaukee run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Portland, ME to Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee?
For families, Bay View, Historic Third Ward, and Juneau Town are worth a look in Milwaukee. If you're moving solo or without kids, Bay View, Brewer’s Hill, and Historic Third Ward tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
