($1,715+) Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME ranges from $1,554 to $14,287, with an average cost of $5,100. Moves can be as low as $1,715 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 $1,554 - $14,287 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $5,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% 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 $1,554 - $6,994, container $2,038 - $4,225, rental truck $1,784 - $3,226, freight trailer $1,834 - $3,654.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $4,412 - $8,588, container $2,754 - $5,543, rental truck $1,819 - $4,081, freight trailer $2,181 - $4,711.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $8,641 - $14,287, container $3,768 - $7,973, rental truck $2,372 - $4,767, freight trailer $3,136 - $6,062.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Full-service movers for the 3,078-mile relocation from Santa Clarita, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,554 and $14,287. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $426 - $2,840, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Santa Clarita typically charge a base rate 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: $1,554 - $6,994
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,412 - $8,588
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,641 - $14,287
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.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Santa Clarita movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Portland, 78% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $710 - $7,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $284 - $1,704/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $426 - $3,408 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% 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 items66% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,420 - $3,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,136 - $4,970 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers | $426 - $2,130 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect37% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Affordable Quality Moving and Storage | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in Maine are typically members of the Maine Motor Transport Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Santa Clarita, CA, 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $2,038 and $7,973. 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 Santa Clarita costs roughly /month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,038 - $4,225
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,754 - $5,543
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,768 - $7,973
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, 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 $2,038. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,754 - $5,543, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Air 1 Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME
Truck rentals from Santa Clarita, California, to Portland, Maine, range from $1,784 - $4,767 for the 3,078-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $1,784 - $3,226
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,819 - $4,081
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,372 - $4,767
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Santa Clarita to Portland starts at $1,784 - $4,767, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,391 - $1,589) , overnight lodging ($213/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $107 and $497.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $213.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,391 and $1,589 for the 3,078-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $994 for 2 movers in Santa Clarita, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
For larger DIY moves from Santa Clarita, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,181 and $4,711.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,834 - $3,654
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,181 - $4,711
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,136 - $6,062
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Clarita, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $994.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $107 - $213 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
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.
- Stevens Trucking (4.54/5 stars): Stevens Trucking is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Santa Clarita to Portland, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 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 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 3,078-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Santa Clarita, CA, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,554 for a studio to $14,287 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 3,078-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,038 - $7,973. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,784 - $4,767, 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 $4,412 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live 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 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 do local movers charge in Santa Clarita?
Local movers based in Santa Clarita typically start around $291 as a base rate, plus $125/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 Portland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $1,554 to $14,287, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,554 and $14,287, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 66% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
