($1,666+) Portland, ME to Seattle, WA Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Seattle, WA, runs anywhere from $1,666 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $15,640 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,152 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 $2,927, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $15,640 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,082 - $7,222, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,666 - $4,820.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Seattle, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,596 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 Seattle, WA
There are 3 main ways to move from Portland to Seattle: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $4,596 - $9,228. Moving containers run about 42% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 61% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 3,152-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,152-mile route from Portland to Seattle, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,927 - $7,146 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($2,082 - $3,946), rental truck ($1,666 - $3,297), or freight trailer ($1,874 - $3,620). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,596 - $9,228 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $15,640.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Seattle, WA
Full-service movers for the 3,152-mile relocation from Portland, Maine, to Seattle, Washington, cost between $2,927 and $15,640. 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 $391 - $2,608, 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 Portland typically charge a base rate around $382 plus $135 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Seattle:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,927 - $7,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,596 - $9,228
- 4+ bedrooms: $9,099 - $15,640
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 Seattle.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Seattle, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Seattle, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $652 - $6,520 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $261 - $1,565/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $391 - $3,130 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,304 - $3,912 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,260 - $13,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $977 - $1,856 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,304 - $3,260 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,043 - $4,564 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $391 - $1,956 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $848 - $2,608 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $391 - $19,560+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $391 - $4,564+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Seattle?
Movers licensed to operate in Washington are typically members of the Washington Movers Conference, 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 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 Seattle, WA
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Seattle, Washington, cost between $2,082 and $7,222. 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 Portland costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Seattle:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,082 - $3,946
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,676 - $5,282
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,662 - $7,222
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Portland, ME and Seattle, WA. 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 $913 in Portland, ME, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $98 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $196 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 Maine to Washington 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 $2,082. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,676 - $5,282.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Seattle?
- 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:
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 0 years in business
- SC Moving Services (5.0/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Seattle, WA
Plan on $1,666 - $4,820 for a rental moving truck on the 3,152-mile route from Portland, Maine, to Seattle, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,308 - $1,495
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- 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 Seattle based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,666 - $3,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,804 - $3,699
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,192 - $4,820
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,666 - $4,820 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Portland to Seattle. Fuel ($1,308 - $1,495), lodging at around $196/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $196 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 $85 and $424 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,308 - $1,495 in fuel for the 3,152-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $913 in Portland, Maine, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Seattle?
- 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 Seattle, WA
If you're moving a larger household from Portland, Maine, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Seattle, Washington.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $2,161 and $4,182.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Seattle:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,874 - $3,620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,182
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,929 - $5,777
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 $913.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $98 and $196 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Seattle?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Portland to Seattle. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Seattle, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Seattle, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 158 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,975/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $911,938 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $121,984/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | None |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 74/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 49.23/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Seattle, WA to Portland, ME guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Washington 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 46 movers in our Maine network to compare for this 3,152-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to Seattle, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,927 for a studio to $15,640 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 3,152-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,082 - $7,222. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,666 - $4,820, 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 $4,596 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Seattle tend to point to beautiful nature and ample economic opportunity, though high cost of living and rainy weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Amazon.com and Starbucks.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Seattle, WA
How much does it cost to move from Portland, ME to Seattle, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,666 to $15,640, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,927 and $15,640, 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 Portland, ME to Seattle, WA?
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 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 Seattle run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Portland, ME to Seattle, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Seattle?
For families, Greenwood, Laurelhurst, and Magnolia are worth a look in Seattle. If you're moving solo or without kids, Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Fremont tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.