($1,633+) Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME ranges from $1,366 to $13,079, with an average cost of $4,950. Moves can be as low as $1,633 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 3,078 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Moving options from Santa Clarita to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,366 - $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 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 59% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 3,078 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 3,078-mile route from Santa Clarita to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,366 - $6,661, container $1,982 - $4,062, rental truck $1,715 - $3,201, freight trailer $1,838 - $3,551.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $4,331 - $8,697, container $2,650 - $5,228, rental truck $1,786 - $3,623, freight trailer $2,058 - $4,399.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $8,230 - $13,079, container $3,769 - $7,668, rental truck $2,192 - $4,866, freight trailer $2,872 - $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 Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
For the 3,078-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Portland, Maine, full-service movers cost between $1,366 and $13,079. 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 Santa Clarita generally start around $291 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,366 - $6,661
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,331 - $8,697
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,230 - $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 Santa Clarita to Portland.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Santa Clarita 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 packing81% of local movers | $710 - $7,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $284 - $1,704/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $426 - $3,408 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% 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 items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,420 - $3,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,136 - $4,970 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $426 - $2,130 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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 Santa Clarita 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,982 and $7,668. 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 Santa Clarita runs about /month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,982 - $4,062
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,650 - $5,228
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,769 - $7,668
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $107 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $213 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 $994 in Santa Clarita, 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 $1,982. 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 $2,650 - $5,228.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Gentlemen's Moving Company (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Plan on $1,715 - $4,866 for a rental moving truck on the 3,078-mile route from Santa Clarita, California, to Portland, Maine. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,391 - $1,589
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Santa Clarita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Santa Clarita to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,715 - $3,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,623
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,192 - $4,866
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,715 - $4,866 does not include fuel ($1,391 - $1,589), lodging ($213/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Santa Clarita to Portland typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $213 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $92 and $462 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,391 - $1,589 in fuel for the 3,078-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $994 in Santa Clarita, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Clarita, California, to Portland, Maine. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,278 and $4,399.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,838 - $3,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,058 - $4,399
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,872 - $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?
- 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 Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita 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: Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 112 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 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 Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Maine, 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 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 3,078-mile move.
Our take
The 3,078-mile move from Santa Clarita, CA, to Portland, ME, costs between $1,366 and $13,079 with full-service movers, $1,982 - $7,668 with a moving container, and $1,715 - $4,866 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 $4,331 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 Santa Clarita, CA, to Portland, ME
What are the best neighborhoods in Portland?
For families, Deering Center, East End, and Rosemont are worth a look in Portland. If you're moving solo or without kids, East End, West End, and West Bayside tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 35 and 33 in Santa Clarita. 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 64.08 and 35.92 in Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, 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 percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.