($1,601+) Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME ranges from $1,380 to $13,079, with an average cost of $4,950. Moves can be as low as $1,601 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 3,096 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 Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME
Moving options from Bakersfield to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,380 - $13,079 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 55% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 3,096 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 3,096-mile route from Bakersfield to Portland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,380 - $6,208 | $2,082 - $4,023 | $1,715 - $3,265 | $1,784 - $3,516 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,119 - $8,100 | $2,572 - $5,500 | $1,857 - $3,736 | $2,161 - $4,182 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,310 - $13,079 | $3,482 - $7,817 | $2,259 - $4,727 | $2,786 - $6,016 |
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 Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 3,096-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Portland, Maine, with prices running from $1,380 - $13,079. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $314 - $2,096 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Bakersfield and Portland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Bakersfield movers tend to run around $420 as a base rate plus $116/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,380 - $6,208
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,119 - $8,100
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,310 - $13,079
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 Bakersfield to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $524 - $5,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $210 - $1,258/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,515 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,048 - $3,144 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,620 - $10,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $785 - $1,491 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $1,048 - $2,620 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $838 - $3,668 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $314 - $1,572 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $681 - $2,096 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,720+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,668+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Bakersfield, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $2,082 and $7,817. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Bakersfield costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,082 - $4,023
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,572 - $5,500
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,482 - $7,817
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $79 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $157 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Portland, ME, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $734 in Bakersfield, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $2,082. 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 $2,572 - $5,500.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME
Truck rentals from Bakersfield, California, to Portland, Maine, range from $1,715 - $4,727 for the 3,096-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,032 - $1,180
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Bakersfield to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,715 - $3,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,857 - $3,736
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,259 - $4,727
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Bakersfield to Portland starts at $1,715 - $4,727, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,032 - $1,180), overnight lodging ($157/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 Bakersfield, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $734.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,032 - $1,180 for the 3,096-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 $63 and $341, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night for hotel stops on the 3,096-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $314 - $472.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME
If you're moving a larger household from Bakersfield, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Portland, Maine.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $2,161 and $4,182.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,784 - $3,516
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,182
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,786 - $6,016
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $79 - $157 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for about five hours typically runs $734.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Bakersfield to Portland. 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: Bakersfield, CA vs Portland, ME
Bakersfield and Portland land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 112 in Portland, and average rent is $1,695/mo vs. $1,991/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 37 vs 62 and safety scores are 41.51 vs 67.84.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Bakersfield, 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 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 3,096-mile route.
Our take
The 3,096-mile move from Bakersfield, CA, to Portland, ME, costs between $1,380 and $13,079 with full-service movers, $2,082 - $7,817 with a moving container, and $1,715 - $4,727 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $4,119 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, 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 is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, 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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,857 - $3,736. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.