($1,584+) Seattle, WA to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Seattle, WA, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $1,584 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,299 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,132 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 $3,235, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $14,299 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,982 - $7,445, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,584 - $4,496.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $5,027 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 Seattle, WA to Portland, ME
There are 3 main ways to move from Seattle to Portland: 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 $5,027 - $9,709. Moving containers run about 51% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 3,132-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 3,132-mile route from Seattle to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $3,235 for a studio up to $14,299 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,982 - $7,445 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,584 - $4,496, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,820 - $5,897, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Seattle, WA to Portland, ME
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 3,132-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Maine, with costs ranging from $3,235 - $14,299. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $419 - $2,792. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Seattle and Portland. Local movers in Seattle typically start around $260 as a base rate plus $141/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,235 - $6,927
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $5,027 - $9,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $9,369 - $14,299
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 Seattle to Portland.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Seattle, WA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Seattle movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing69% of local movers | $698 - $6,980 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $279 - $1,675/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $419 - $3,350 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,396 - $4,188 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,490 - $13,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,046 - $1,987 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,396 - $3,490 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,117 - $4,886 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $419 - $2,094 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage | $907 - $2,792 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $419 - $20,940+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $419 - $4,886+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Seattle to Portland?
Look for Maine Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maine beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Seattle, WA, 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 Seattle, WA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,982 and $7,445. 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 Seattle typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,982 - $3,985
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,468 - $5,337
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,410 - $7,445
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Seattle, WA 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 $977 in Seattle, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $105 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $209 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 Washington 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 $1,982. 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 $2,468 - $5,337.
What are the best moving containers Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to Portland, ME
Truck rentals from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Maine, range from $1,584 - $4,496 for the 3,132-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,391 - $1,590
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
| 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 Seattle to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,584 - $3,138
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,769 - $3,963
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,304 - $4,496
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,584 - $4,496 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Seattle to Portland. Fuel ($1,391 - $1,590), lodging at around $209/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Seattle, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $977.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,391 - $1,590 for the 3,132-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $84 and $454, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $209 per night for hotel stops on the 3,132-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $419 - $628.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Maine. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,256 and $4,312.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,820 - $3,446
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,182 - $4,312
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,786 - $5,897
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $105 and $209.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Seattle, Washington, for roughly five hours typically average $977.
What are the best freight companies from Seattle to Portland?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Portland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Seattle, WA 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 Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 158 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,975/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $911,938 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $121,984/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 74/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 49.23/100 | 67.84/100 |
| 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 Portland, ME to Seattle, WA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Washington to Maine, 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 279 movers in Washington, so you have real options to compare for this 3,132-mile move.
Our take
The 3,132-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Portland, ME, costs between $3,235 and $14,299 with full-service movers, $1,982 - $7,445 with a moving container, and $1,584 - $4,496 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 $5,027 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 Seattle, WA, to Portland, ME
What is the best time of year to move from Seattle, WA to Portland, ME?
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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Portland a safe place to live?
Portland has a safety index of 67.84 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.16, compared to 49.23 and 58.88 in Seattle. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Seattle, WA to Portland, ME?
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 $1,769 - $3,963. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Portland?
For families, Deering Center, East End, and Rosemont are worth a look in Portland. If you're moving solo or without kids, East End, West End, and West Bayside tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.