($183+) Portland, ME to Providence, RI Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Providence, RI, runs anywhere from $188 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,508 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $839, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,508 or more.
- Moving containers run $740 - $2,262, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $188 - $452.
- 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 $1,422 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,422 - $4,124. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 162-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 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 | $839 - $3,662 | $740 - $1,300 | $188 - $319 | $722 - $1,170 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,422 - $4,124 | $952 - $1,775 | $190 - $380 | $769 - $1,449 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,070 - $5,508 | $1,293 - $2,262 | $240 - $452 | $1,086 - $1,864 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Providence, RI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 162-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Providence, Rhode Island, with costs ranging from $839 - $5,508. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $332 - $2,216. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Portland and Providence. Local movers in Portland typically start around $382 as a base rate plus $135/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $839 - $3,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,422 - $4,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,070 - $5,508
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Rhode Island. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Portland, ME to Providence, RI
Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Providence, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $554 - $5,540 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $222 - $1,330/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $332 - $2,659 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% 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 items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,108 - $2,770 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $886 - $3,878 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers | $332 - $1,662 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% 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 $1,493 - $4,330. 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 (4.5/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Portland, ranked #1 in Maine, based on our analysis of feedback from 244 customers, 95.5% 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 $740 and $2,262. 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 Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $740 - $1,300
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $952 - $1,775
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,293 - $2,262
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Portland, ME and Providence, RI. 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 $776 in Portland, ME, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $166 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 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 $740. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $952 - $1,775, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- 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 Providence, RI
Plan on $188 - $452 for a rental moving truck on the 162-mile route from Portland, Maine, to Providence, Rhode Island. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $188 - $319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $190 - $380
- 4+ bedrooms: $240 - $452
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Portland to Providence starts at $188 - $452, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($57 - $65) , overnight lodging ($166/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Portland, Maine, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $776.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $57 - $65 for the 162-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 $66 and $360, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $166 per night for hotel stops on the 162-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $332 - $499.
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 a solid option for larger DIY moves from Portland, Maine, to Providence, Rhode Island. 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 $997 and $1,449.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $722 - $1,170
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $769 - $1,449
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,086 - $1,864
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $83 - $166 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about five hours typically runs $776.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Providence?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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. 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 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 moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Rhode Island, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Maine alone has 15 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 162-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to Providence, RI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $839 for a studio to $5,508 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 162-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $740 - $2,262. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $188 - $452, 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 $1,422 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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
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 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 Providence run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Providence?
For families, Blackstone, Wayland, and College Hill are worth a look in Providence. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Elmhurst, and Federal Hill tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
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.
