($1,645+) San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME ranges from $1,539 to $14,287, with an average cost of $5,300. Moves can be as low as $1,645 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 3,198 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.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME
Moving options from San Francisco to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,539 - $14,287 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $5,300, 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 3,198 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 3,198-mile route from San Francisco to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,539 - $6,720, container $2,186 - $4,061, rental truck $1,645 - $3,428, freight trailer $1,891 - $3,617.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $4,592 - $9,401, container $2,865 - $6,062, rental truck $1,894 - $4,081, freight trailer $2,159 - $4,572.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $8,217 - $14,287, container $3,654 - $7,815, rental truck $2,300 - $5,110, freight trailer $2,953 - $6,567.
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 San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME
Full-service movers for the 3,198-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,539 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 $575 - $3,836, 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 San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,539 - $6,720
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,592 - $9,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,217 - $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 San Francisco 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of San Francisco 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 | $959 - $9,590 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $384 - $2,302/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $575 - $4,603 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,918 - $5,754 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,795 - $19,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,437 - $2,729 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,918 - $4,795 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,534 - $6,713 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $575 - $2,877 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage | $1,247 - $3,836 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $575 - $28,770+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $575 - $6,713+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $2,186 and $7,815. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in San Francisco typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,186 - $4,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,865 - $6,062
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,654 - $7,815
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, 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 $1,343 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $144 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $288 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 $2,186. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,865 - $6,062, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 47 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME
Truck rentals from San Francisco, California, to Portland, Maine, range from $1,645 - $5,110 for the 3,198-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,952 - $2,230
- Daily insurance: $58/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,645 - $3,428
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,894 - $4,081
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,300 - $5,110
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to Portland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,645 - $5,110. But once you factor in fuel ($1,952 - $2,230) , overnight lodging ($288/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $288 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 $125 and $623 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,952 - $2,230 in fuel for the 3,198-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,343 in San Francisco, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME
For larger DIY moves from San Francisco, 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 $2,159 and $4,572.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,891 - $3,617
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,159 - $4,572
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,953 - $6,567
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $144 - $288 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in San Francisco, California, typically costs $1,343.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco 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 Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: San Francisco, 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 San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 112 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 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 San Francisco, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Maine over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 3,198-mile move.
Our take
The 3,198-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Portland, ME, costs between $1,539 and $14,287 with full-service movers, $2,186 - $7,815 with a moving container, and $1,645 - $5,110 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 $4,592 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 San Francisco, CA, to Portland, ME
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 99 and 99 in San Francisco. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $1,539 to $14,287, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,539 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from San Francisco, 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 do local movers charge in San Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/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.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
