Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Los Angeles to Portland costs $2,172–$10,790 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 3,081-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Portland to Los Angeles guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Los Angeles to Portland
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Los Angeles to Portland isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to ME move
Local moving companies in Los Angeles
- Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Seka Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Move Central Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Prof Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
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
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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
Company Info
State license #: 0191020
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2365576
Alternate Names: Move Central Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191695
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3052150
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Portland?
Los Angeles movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,730 - $7,292 | $1,928 - $4,400 | $2,129 - $3,932 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $5,374 - $10,790 | $3,158 - $6,551 | $2,172 - $4,729 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $10,412 - $17,381 | $4,588 - $9,329 | $2,887 - $5,982 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Maine
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to Maine, you can expect prices to land between $1,730 and $7,292. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $5,374 to $10,790 for the trip from CA to ME. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $10,412 and $17,381.
Cost of moving containers from California to Maine
Moving from California to Maine? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,928 and $4,400. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,158 to $6,551. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,588 up to $9,329. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Maine
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $2,129 and $3,932. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,172 and $4,729. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,887 and $5,982.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Portland
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Portland
Moving from Los Angeles to Portland means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Portland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Portland so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Los Angeles | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $1,991 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.8% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 33% lower than in Los Angeles, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Portland.
Home prices in Portland are 77.1% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Portland is 14.4% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland — including TD Banknorth Inc, Maine Medical Center, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Portland. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 36.5% lower than in Los Angeles.
- A move to Portland can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 34.2% less than what it costs in Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 50.94% lower than in Los Angeles.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the city's sales taxes in Portland are 42.11% lower than in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Portland is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.39% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,905.41 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Portland
| Portland | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 3,820,914 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 32.16 | 53.81 |
| Safety Index | 67.84 | 46.19 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Portland's population is about 98% less than Los Angeles.
- Portland's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's higher score of 8.
- Portland is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 32.16 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 67.84 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in Portland is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Portland move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you've chosen 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 Bayside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- East End
- Rosemont
- Valley Street
- North 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: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Portland, such as the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and Richard Boyd Art Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League) and Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Portland?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Los Angeles to Portland. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Portland?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Portland moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Portland take?
Covering 3,081 miles, the move from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Portland can help bridge the gap.
