Local moving companies in California
When you’re moving from California to Portland, ME, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Golden State to the vibrant The Forest City.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Portland, ME.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Portland, ME
This table details typical cost ranges to move from California to Portland, ME, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,403 – $5,738 | $1,488 – $3,570 | $1,610 – $3,124 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $4,103 – $8,321 | $2,637 – $5,155 | $1,657 – $3,683 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,032 – $13,280 | $3,468 – $6,975 | $2,161 – $4,342 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 3,209-mile move from California to Portland, ME using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Portland, ME
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Portland, ME, typically costs between $1,403 and $5,738. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,103 and $8,321. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Portland, ME, you’re looking at costs ranging from $8,032 up to $13,280.
Cost of moving containers from California to Portland, ME
When relocating from California to Portland, ME, you’ll typically spend between $1,488 and $3,570 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,637 up to $5,155. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,468 and $6,975. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Portland, ME
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from California to Portland, ME, expect to pay between $1,610 and $3,124. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,657 to $3,683. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,161 and $4,342.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from California to Portland, ME
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how California movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Portland, ME
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Portland, ME differs from what you’re used to in California. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: California vs. Portland, ME
| California | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,991 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $64,171 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 112 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.2% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5.8% |
Portland sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Portland is approximately 7% higher than in California. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Buying a home in Portland could be more affordable, with prices averaging 30% less than in California.
- Expect salaries in Portland to be approximately 30% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Unemployment in Portland (5.2%) and California (5.4%) are about the same, so expect a comparable job market.
- Income tax rates in Maine are about 56% lower than in California, which means a lighter tax burden and more take-home pay.
How life is different in Portland from California
| Portland | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 11ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 49″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 61″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Portland leaned Republican, while California went Democratic.
- In summer, highs in Portland average 79ºF, compared to 87ºF in California. Making the move to a cooler place lets you beat the heat, save on energy bills, and spend more time outdoors.
- Winter in Portland brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 11ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 59ºF winters back in California. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Portland treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- You can expect about 49 inches of annual rainfall in Portland vs only 22 inches in California. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- Each year, Portland gets about 61 inches of snow, while California sees only 7 inches. More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
- Crime rates in Portland are higher than in California, with a crime index of 32.16 versus 28.43. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Portland
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Portland.
Museums in Portland
- Portland Museum of Art
- Victoria Mansion
- 5th Maine Museum
- The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
- Richard Boyd Art Gallery
Parks in Portland
- Eastern Promenade Trail
- Back Cove Trail
- Deering Oaks Park
- Quarry Run Dog Park
- Western Promenade Park
Sports teams in Portland
- Maine Celtics (G League)
- Maine Mariners (ECHL)
Universities in Portland
- University of Southern Maine
- Maine College of Art
Other considerations when moving to Portland, ME
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- 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 your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Maine, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Maine on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Portland take?
The time it takes to move from California to Portland, ME depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Portland will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from California to Portland can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Portland?
If you’re planning a 3,209-mile move from California to Portland, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Portland, ME?
Summer temperatures in Portland can soar to 79°F, while winters can get as chilly as 11°F. That’s why most people making the move from California to Portland prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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