Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Portland typically costs $5,000–$9,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 3,096 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Bakersfield to Portland
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME typically costs $5,000–$9,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 3,096-mile move from Bakersfield to Portland, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $6,080 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,416 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,630 for a 2 bedroom using a rental truck.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 07, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 28, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Bakersfield to Portland
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $3,300, but larger homes can run up to $14,700.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Bakersfield.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,800–$5,000) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Best Bakersfield to Portland movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Bakersfield to Portland
For a stress-free interstate move from Bakersfield to Portland, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→ME movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 372 California moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Portland runs about 0% higher for singles and -13% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Portland versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $6,060 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.8% |
- As you consider relocating to Portland, note that rent can be roughly 17% more expensive than it is in Bakersfield; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 39% higher in Portland than in Bakersfield.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 13% less in Portland than in Bakersfield.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Portland and Bakersfield, you shouldn't see much difference.
- Moving to Portland could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 13% less than in Bakersfield.
- Portland experiences an unemployment rate that is about 12% lower than that of Bakersfield. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 33% lower in Portland than in Bakersfield. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Portland can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 56% lower in Maine compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Bakersfield with Portland:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Portland.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Portland.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Portland
| Bakersfield | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 68 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 92% less than Bakersfield.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield's score of 4.
- Portland is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 32.16 compared to Bakersfield's 58.49. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 67.84 vs Bakersfield's 41.51.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Bakersfield it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Portland move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Maine doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Portland smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you've chosen The Forest City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Portland to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- Rosemont
- West End
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- Back Cove
- East Deering
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
After getting comfortable in your new Maine home, it's time to see what Portland is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Portland offers cultural landmarks like the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Bakersfield to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Bakersfield are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Portland?
Because spring and fall moves from Bakersfield to Portland are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Portland take?
A move of 3,096 miles from Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Bakersfield sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Portland is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Bakersfield offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 2 movers in Bakersfield have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
