($1,715+) Portland, ME to Modesto, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Portland, ME to Modesto, CA

Moving from Portland, ME, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,715 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $16,266 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,179 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $3,103, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $16,266 or more.
  • Moving containers run $2,186 - $8,209, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,715 - $4,717.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $5,178 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Portland, ME to Modesto, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Portland to Modesto: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $5,178 - $10,498. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 3,179 miles, expect 7 to 21 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,179-mile route from Portland to Modesto, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $3,103 - $7,576, container $2,186 - $4,020, rental truck $1,715 - $3,529, freight trailer $1,930 - $3,728.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $5,178 - $10,498, container $2,892 - $5,658, rental truck $1,950 - $4,161, freight trailer $2,226 - $4,387.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $9,933 - $16,266, container $3,654 - $8,209, rental truck $2,490 - $4,717, freight trailer $3,197 - $5,999.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Modesto, CA

For the 3,179-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Modesto, California, full-service movers cost between $3,103 and $16,266. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $341 - $2,272 (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 Portland generally start around $382 plus $135 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,103 - $7,576
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $5,178 - $10,498
  • 4+ bedrooms: $9,933 - $16,266

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 Modesto.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to California. 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 Portland, ME to Modesto, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$568 - $5,680
Storage in transitNew place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$227 - $1,363/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$341 - $2,726
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers$1,136 - $3,408
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,840 - $11,360
Car shippingSecond vehicle$851 - $1,617
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine$1,136 - $2,840
PianoAny piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$909 - $3,976
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers$341 - $1,704
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine$738 - $2,272
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$341 - $17,040+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$341 - $3,976+

What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Modesto?

All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Portland, ME. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Modesto, CA

Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,186 and $8,209. 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 Portland runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,186 - $4,020
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,892 - $5,658
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,654 - $8,209

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 $795 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 $85 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $170 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 Modesto, CA, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to California 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 $2,892 - $5,658, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Portland to Modesto?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Modesto, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 3,179-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Modesto, California, costs between $1,715 and $4,717, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $1,149 - $1,313
  • Daily insurance: $34/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Portland to Modesto based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,715 - $3,529
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,950 - $4,161
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,490 - $4,717

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,715 - $4,717 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Portland to Modesto. Fuel ($1,149 - $1,313) , lodging at around $170/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $170 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Portland, Maine, usually costs about $795 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 3,179-mile drive falls between $1,149 and $1,313, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $57 and $341 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Modesto?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Modesto, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Modesto, California, 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 $2,226 and $4,387.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,930 - $3,728
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,226 - $4,387
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,197 - $5,999

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?

  • 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 Portland, Maine, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $795.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $85 and $170 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Portland to Modesto?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Portland to Modesto, 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: Portland, ME vs Modesto, CA

Day-to-day costs in Modesto are close to what you're used to in Portland: cost of living index of 116 versus 112, with average rent of $1,800/mo compared to $1,991/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 62/100 and 67.84/100 in Portland versus 48/100 and 34.24/100 in Modesto.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Portland, ME guide.

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Our take

A move from Portland, ME, to Modesto, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $3,103 - $16,266 on the 3,179-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,186 - $8,209, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,715 - $4,717. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $5,178 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.

FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Modesto, CA

What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?

For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.

What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, ME to Modesto, CA?

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 $1,950 - $4,161. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is Modesto a safe place to live?

Modesto has a safety index of 34.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.76, compared to 67.84 and 32.16 in Portland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

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 is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Modesto, CA?

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 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.