($171+) Portland, ME to Providence, RI Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Providence, RI, runs anywhere from $171 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,248 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 162 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $824, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,248 or more.
- Moving containers run $742 - $2,241, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $171 - $422.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Providence, RI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,341 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 Providence, RI
There are 3 main ways to move from Portland to Providence: 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 $1,341 - $4,054. Containers cost roughly 29% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 86% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 162 miles, expect 1 to 2 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 162-mile route from Portland to Providence, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $824 - $3,319 | $742 - $1,201 | $171 - $298 | $688 - $1,149 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,341 - $4,054 | $954 - $1,744 | $192 - $372 | $785 - $1,394 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,818 - $5,248 | $1,231 - $2,241 | $227 - $422 | $985 - $1,690 |
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 Providence, RI
For the 162-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Providence, Rhode Island, full-service movers cost between $824 and $5,248. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $332 - $2,216 (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 Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $824 - $3,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,341 - $4,054
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,818 - $5,248
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 Providence.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Providence, RI
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Providence, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $554 - $5,540 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $222 - $1,330/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $332 - $2,659 |
| 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 | $1,108 - $3,324 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,770 - $11,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $830 - $1,577 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,108 - $2,770 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $886 - $3,878 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $332 - $1,662 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $720 - $2,216 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $332 - $16,620+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $332 - $3,878+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Providence?
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Portland, ME?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Portland to Providence with a local mover averages $1,315 - $3,973. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Portland, ME can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5 stars) is a local mover in Portland, based on our analysis of feedback from 931 customers, 95.0% of which is positive.
Address: 24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME, 04092 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Providence, RI
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Providence, Rhode Island, cost between $742 and $2,241. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Portland typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $742 - $1,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $954 - $1,744
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,231 - $2,241
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 $776 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 $83 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $166 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 Providence, RI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Rhode Island 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 $742. 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 $954 - $1,744.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Providence?
- 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 Providence, RI
Truck rentals from Portland, Maine, to Providence, Rhode Island, range from $171 - $422 for the 162-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $57 - $65
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Providence based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $171 - $298
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $192 - $372
- 4+ bedrooms: $227 - $422
Pro tip: The base rate of $171 - $422 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Portland to Providence. Fuel ($57 - $65), lodging at around $166/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $83 and $388.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $166.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $57 and $65 for the 162-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $776 for 2 movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Providence?
- 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 Providence, RI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Providence, Rhode Island, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $785 and $1,394.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $688 - $1,149
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $785 - $1,394
- 4+ bedrooms: $985 - $1,690
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Portland, Maine, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $776.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $83 - $166 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Providence?
- 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: If speed matters on your move from Portland to Providence, 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 Providence, RI
Day-to-day costs in Providence are close to what you're used to in Portland: cost of living index of 109 versus 112, with average rent of $2,200/mo compared to $1,991/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 62/100 and 67.84/100 in Portland versus 76/100 and 50.16/100 in Providence.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Providence, RI to Portland, ME guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Rhode Island, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 46 movers licensed in Maine, useful context for sizing up this 162-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Portland, ME, to Providence, RI, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $824 - $5,248 on the 162-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $742 - $2,241 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $171 - $422 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,341 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Textron and United Natural Foods.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Providence, RI
How do I know a mover is licensed in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($57 - $65), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $166/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Providence?
Providence has a walkability score of 76 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 61, compared to 62 and 68 in Portland. 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 Portland, ME to Providence, RI?
Costs on this route range from around $171 to $5,248, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $824 and $5,248, 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 Providence, RI?
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 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.