($922+) Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $950 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,220 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,497 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,483, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,220 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,391 - $5,057, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $950 - $2,539.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,611 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 Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Portland to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,611 - $8,141 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,497 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,497-mile route from Portland to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,483 - $6,104 with full-service movers, $1,391 - $2,794 with a container, $950 - $1,802 with a rental truck, or $1,329 - $2,515 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,611 - $8,141 full-service, $1,851 - $3,902 by container, $986 - $2,229 by rental truck, or $1,511 - $2,972 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,138 - $11,220 full-service, $2,417 - $5,057 by container, $1,242 - $2,539 by rental truck, or $1,934 - $4,006 by freight.
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 Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,497-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with costs ranging from $2,483 - $11,220. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $330 - $2,200. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Portland and Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,483 - $6,104
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,611 - $8,141
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,138 - $11,220
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 Minneapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Minnesota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Minneapolis, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $550 - $5,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $220 - $1,320/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $330 - $2,640 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,100 - $3,300 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,750 - $11,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $824 - $1,565 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,100 - $2,750 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $880 - $3,850 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers | $330 - $1,650 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $715 - $2,200 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $330 - $16,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $330 - $3,850+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Minneapolis?
All three below meet the standards set by the Minnesota Transport Services Association, the group most Minnesota 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 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 Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,391 and $5,057. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Portland typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,391 - $2,794
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,851 - $3,902
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,417 - $5,057
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $770 in Portland, ME. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $83 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $165 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Minneapolis, MN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Minnesota 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 $1,391. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,851 - $3,902, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Minneapolis?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Integrity Movers, 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,497 miles from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, running $950 - $2,539. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $524 - $599
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $950 - $1,802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $986 - $2,229
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,242 - $2,539
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $950 - $2,539 when pricing out a rental truck from Portland to Minneapolis. Fuel alone runs ($524 - $599) , and overnight lodging ($165/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
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 $83 and $385.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $165.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $524 and $599 for the 1,497-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 $770 for 2 movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Minneapolis?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,511 and $2,972.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,329 - $2,515
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,511 - $2,972
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,934 - $4,006
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Portland, Maine, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $770.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $83 - $165 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 Portland to Minneapolis?
- 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.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Minneapolis 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: Portland, ME vs Minneapolis, MN
Portland and Minneapolis land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 112 in Portland and 107 in Minneapolis, and rent tracks closely too ($1,991/mo vs. $1,484/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (62 vs 71) and safety scores (67.84 vs 43.94) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Portland, ME guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maine to Minnesota, 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 15 movers in Maine, so you have real options to compare for this 1,497-mile move.
Our take
The 1,497-mile move from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN, costs between $2,483 and $11,220 with full-service movers, $1,391 - $5,057 with a moving container, and $950 - $2,539 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 $3,611 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 Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN
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.
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 Minneapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.
What are the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis?
For families, Diamond Lake, Fulton, and Kenny are worth a look in Minneapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Linden Hills, Loring Park, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 83, 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.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
