Portland, ME to Ontario, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Ontario typically costs $5,700–$11,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 3,045 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Ontario
Moving from Portland, ME to Ontario, CA typically costs $5,700–$11,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 3,045-mile move from Portland to Ontario, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $3,745 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,038 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,198 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 08, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 06, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 01, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Portland to Ontario
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $3,600, but larger homes can run up to $17,700.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Portland.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,800–$5,500) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Ontario, CA to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Ontario movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Ontario
For a stress-free interstate move from Portland to Ontario, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best ME→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 15 Maine moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Ontario
Overall, Portland and Ontario land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,473 in Ontario and $2,491 in Portland, while families in Ontario see $5,793 versus $6,060 in Portland.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Portland | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $668,089 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $71,908 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Ontario, note that rent can be roughly 32% more expensive than it is in Portland; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 23% higher in Ontario than in Portland.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 12% higher in Ontario compared to Portland, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Ontario and Portland, you shouldn't see much difference.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Ontario and Portland, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Ontario is 33% higher compared to Portland, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 59% higher in Ontario than in Portland. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 129% higher in California compared to Maine. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Portland with Ontario:
| Living Expense | Portland | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $100.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in Ontario, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Ontario.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Ontario.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Ontario.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Ontario.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Ontario.
How life is different in Portland vs. Ontario
| Portland | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 175,265 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 46 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 50.25 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 49.75 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Ontario's population is about 156% greater than Portland.
- Ontario's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Portland's score of 6.
- Ontario is less walkable than Portland with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Ontario has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Ontario's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 50.25 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Ontario neighborhoods are safer than 50.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Ontario is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 49.75 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Ontario is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Ontario move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Ontario smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Ontario
Now that you've chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Ontario to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Ontario
- Piemonte
- Ontario Ranch
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Upland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Creekside
- Parkview
- Ontario Ranch
- College Park
- Downtown Ontario
Things to do in Ontario
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Ontario is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Ontario offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of History and Art, Ontario.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Ontario Reign (Hockey)Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Ontario?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Portland to Ontario are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Portland are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Ontario?
Because spring and fall moves from Portland to Ontario are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Portland to Ontario take?
A move of 3,045 miles from Portland, ME to Ontario, CA generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Portland sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Ontario is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Portland offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 9 movers in Portland have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across ME, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
