($610+) Portland, ME to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $610 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,382 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 874 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,989, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,382 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,064 - $3,499, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $610 - $1,503.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,731 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 Columbus, OH
Moving options from Portland to Columbus 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 $2,731 - $6,359 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 47% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 78% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 874 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 874-mile route from Portland to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,989 for a studio up to $8,382 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,064 - $3,499 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $610 - $1,503, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $929 - $2,915, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 874-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,989 - $8,382. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $311 - $2,072. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Portland and Columbus. Local movers in Portland typically start around $382 as a base rate plus $135/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,989 - $5,050
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,731 - $6,359
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,290 - $8,382
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 Columbus.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbus, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Columbus?
Look for Ohio Association of Movers membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Ohio beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,064 and $3,499. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,064 - $2,047
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,438 - $2,619
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,952 - $3,499
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Portland, ME and Columbus, 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 $725 in Portland, ME, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $155 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 $1,064. 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 $1,438 - $2,619.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Columbus?
- 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:
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 0 years in business
- SC Moving Services (5.0/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH
A rental truck for this 874-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio, costs between $610 and $1,503. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $288 - $329
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $610 - $1,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $602 - $1,290
- 4+ bedrooms: $755 - $1,503
Pro tip: A rental truck from Portland to Columbus looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $610 - $1,503. But once you factor in fuel ($288 - $329), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $288 - $329 for the 874-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours typically costs around $725.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 874-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $155 per night, adding $311 - $466 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $311.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Columbus?
- 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 Columbus, OH
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 Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio. 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,095 and $2,316.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $929 - $1,859
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $2,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,531 - $2,915
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 Portland, Maine, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $725.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $155 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Columbus?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Portland to Columbus. 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 Columbus, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 50.35/100 |
| 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 Columbus, OH to Portland, ME guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Ohio, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 46 movers licensed in Maine, useful context for sizing up this 874-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,989 for a studio to $8,382 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 874-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,064 - $3,499. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $610 - $1,503, 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 $2,731 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH
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 Columbus run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Columbus?
For families, Bexley, Clintonville, and Gahanna are worth a look in Columbus. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Short North, and Victorian Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 62 and 68 in Portland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Columbus a safe place to live?
Columbus has a safety index of 50.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.65, compared to 67.84 and 32.16 in Portland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.