Best Movers From California to Maine (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from California to Maine, professional movers typically run between
$4,227 and $8,487, a moving container averages about
$3,949, and a rental truck is around
$2,762.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,319 — $8,487 Top local mover
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$1,319 — $12,764 Top long-distance mover
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$1,416 — $7,266 Top container company
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$1,530 — $4,387 Top truck rental
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$59 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from California to Maine
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from California to Maine.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Maine
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 15, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 09, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 09, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 31, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 29, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 08, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 18, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 12, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Maine?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,319 – $5,972 | $1,416 – $3,677 | $1,530 – $3,155 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $4,227 – $8,487 | $2,637 – $5,261 | $1,657 – $3,867 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,486 – $12,764 | $3,503 – $7,266 | $2,183 – $4,387 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,319 – $5,972
- 2–3 bedrooms: $4,227 – $8,487
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,486 – $12,764
How much do moving containers cost from California to Maine?
- Small move: $1,416 – $3,677
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,637 – $5,261
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,503 – $7,266
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,530 – $3,155
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,657 – $3,867
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,183 – $4,387
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 3,247-mile move from CA to ME using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to ME?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Maine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,009 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $401,297 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $68,251 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.8% |
Will rent be more expensive in Maine?
Rent is about 46% lower in Maine than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,009
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 48% lower in Maine than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $401,297
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 26% lower in Maine than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $68,251
Is the overall cost of living higher in Maine?
The cost of living is 25% lower in Maine than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 37% lower in Maine than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 5.5%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 56% lower in Maine than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 5.8%
How is daily life different in Maine compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Maine | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,395,722 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52.6-45.3 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 78ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 75″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 13.17 | 28.43 |
Will Maine feel more crowded than California?
Maine is about 96% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both California and Maine voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Maine is cooler on average (78°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Maine is colder on average (7°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Maine?
Rain: Maine gets more rain (46″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Maine gets more snow (75 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Maine safer than California?
Maine has a lower crime index than California (13.17 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Maine?
Museums in Maine
- Portland Museum of Art
- Victoria Mansion
- Cole Land Transportation Museum
- Farnsworth Art Museum
- Seashore Trolley Museum
Parks in Maine
- Fort McClary State Historic Site
- Fort Allen Park
- Bug Light Park
- Cascade Park
- Bangor City Forest
Sports teams in Maine
- Maine Celtics Basketball (NBA G League)
- Maine Mariners (ECHL)
- Maine Nordiques (NAHL)
- Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A Northeast)
- Maine Black Bears (NCAA)
Universities in Maine
- The University of Maine
- Colby College
- Bowdoin College
- Bates College
- University of New England
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Maine move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Maine moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Maine?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Maine?
Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Maine moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Maine?
Maine does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular California routes
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