($1,736+) Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME ranges from $1,411 to $13,504, with an average cost of $5,250. Moves can be as low as $1,736 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 3,080 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME
Moving options from Los Angeles to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,411 - $13,504 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $5,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 3,080 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,080-mile route from Los Angeles to Portland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,411 - $6,545 | $2,006 - $3,719 | $1,686 - $3,144 | $1,842 - $3,664 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,470 - $8,197 | $2,577 - $5,291 | $1,701 - $3,858 | $2,166 - $4,232 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,248 - $13,504 | $3,815 - $7,610 | $2,151 - $4,831 | $2,935 - $5,726 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME
For the 3,080-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Portland, Maine, full-service movers cost between $1,411 and $13,504. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $426 - $2,840 (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 Los Angeles generally start around $200 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $6,545
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,470 - $8,197
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,248 - $13,504
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 Los Angeles to Portland.
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 Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $710 - $7,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Rigo's Moving Company Inc | $284 - $1,704/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $426 - $3,408 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,420 - $4,260 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,550 - $14,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,064 - $2,021 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rigo's Moving Company Inc | $1,420 - $3,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Rigo's Moving Company Inc | $1,136 - $4,970 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $426 - $2,130 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: 5 Star Moving | $923 - $2,840 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $426 - $21,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $426 - $4,970+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Portland?
All three below meet the standards set by the Maine Motor Transport Association, the group most Maine movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Los Angeles, CA. 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 Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $2,006 and $7,610. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Los Angeles runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,006 - $3,719
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,577 - $5,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,815 - $7,610
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Los Angeles, CA 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 $994 in Los Angeles, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $107 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $213 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 California 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 $2,006. 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 $2,577 - $5,291.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Move Central Moving & Storage (3.9/5), 14 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 3,080 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Portland, Maine, running $1,686 - $4,831. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,392 - $1,590
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,686 - $3,144
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,701 - $3,858
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,151 - $4,831
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Los Angeles to Portland starts at $1,686 - $4,831, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,392 - $1,590), overnight lodging ($213/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 Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $994.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,392 - $1,590 for the 3,080-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 $85 and $462, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $213 per night for hotel stops on the 3,080-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $426 - $639.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME
For larger DIY moves from Los Angeles, California, 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 Portland, Maine.
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 $2,166 and $4,232.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,842 - $3,664
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,166 - $4,232
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,935 - $5,726
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?
- 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 Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $994.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $107 and $213 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Portland 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: Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 112 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 67.84/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Maine 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 1,126 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 3,080-mile route.
Our take
A move from Los Angeles, CA, 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 $1,411 - $13,504 on the 3,080-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,006 - $7,610, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,686 - $4,831. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,470 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 Los Angeles, CA, to Portland, ME
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 46.19 and 53.81 in Los Angeles. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Los Angeles, CA 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME?
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 long does a move from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.