Portland, ME to Dayton, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Dayton typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 943 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Dayton
Moving from Portland, ME to Dayton, OH typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 943-mile move from Portland to Dayton, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,482 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,667 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,534 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 01, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Dayton
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Dayton may only cost $2,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,900.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Portland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($700–$2,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Dayton, OH to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Dayton movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Dayton
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Portland to Dayton. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best ME→OH movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 15 Maine moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Portland - roughly 36% less for singles and 37% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it's $3,788 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 54% less expensive in Dayton than in Portland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 75% cheaper in Dayton than in Portland.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Dayton and Portland are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Dayton. The cost of living for a single person there is 36% below that of Portland.
- A move to Dayton can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 37% lower compared to Portland.
- Dayton has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 31%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Dayton surpass those in Portland by 36%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 40% less in Ohio compared to Maine, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Dayton:
| Living Expense | Portland | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Dayton.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Dayton.
How life is different in Portland vs. Dayton
| Portland | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 47 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton's population is about 101% greater than Portland.
- Dayton's public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
- Dayton is less walkable than Portland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Dayton has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Dayton's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 4.0 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 40.68 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Dayton move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Dayton. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Dayton
With your sights set on Gem City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Dayton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Dayton. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Dayton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Dayton?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Dayton. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Dayton?
Want to save on your move from Portland to Dayton? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Portland to Dayton take?
The 943-mile move from Portland, ME, to Dayton, OH, takes two to seven days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dayton.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
