($1,682+) Modesto, CA to Portland, ME Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME ranges from $1,352 to $13,343, with an average cost of $5,000. Moves can be as low as $1,682 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 3,184 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME
Moving options from Modesto to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,352 - $13,343 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $5,000, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 3,184 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,184-mile route from Modesto to Portland, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,352 - $6,726 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,922 - $4,062), rental truck ($1,699 - $3,328), or freight trailer ($1,874 - $3,620). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,374 - $8,697 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $13,343.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 3,184-mile move from Modesto, California, to Portland, Maine, with prices running from $1,352 - $13,343. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $343 - $2,288 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Modesto and Portland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Modesto movers tend to run around $314 as a base rate plus $128/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,352 - $6,726
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,374 - $8,697
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,671 - $13,343
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 Modesto to Portland.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $572 - $5,720 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $229 - $1,373/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $343 - $2,746 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,144 - $3,432 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,860 - $11,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $857 - $1,628 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,144 - $2,860 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $915 - $4,004 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $343 - $1,716 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $744 - $2,288 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $343 - $17,160+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $343 - $4,004+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Portland?
Maine Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maine, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Modesto, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,922 and $7,594. 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 Modesto costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,922 - $4,062
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,650 - $5,500
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,482 - $7,594
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $86 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $172 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Portland, ME, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $801 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Maine 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 $1,922. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,650 - $5,500.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Portland?
- 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME
A rental truck for this 3,184-mile move from Modesto, California, to Portland, Maine, costs between $1,699 and $4,635. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,159 - $1,325
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,699 - $3,328
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,716 - $3,774
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,147 - $4,635
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,699 - $4,635 does not include fuel ($1,159 - $1,325), lodging ($172/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Modesto to Portland typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $801.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,159 - $1,325 for the 3,184-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 $69 and $372, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $172 per night for hotel stops on the 3,184-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $343 - $515.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Portland?
- 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 Modesto, CA to Portland, ME
For larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Portland, Maine.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,141 and $4,269.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,874 - $3,620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,141 - $4,269
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,728 - $6,016
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $86 - $172 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Modesto, California, for about five hours typically runs $801.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Portland?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Portland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Portland, ME
Modesto and Portland land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 116 in Modesto and 112 in Portland, and average rent is $1,800/mo vs. $1,991/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 48 vs 62 and safety scores are 34.24 vs 67.84.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Modesto, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Maine, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 3,184-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Modesto, CA, to Portland, ME, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,352 - $13,343 on the 3,184-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,922 - $7,594 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,699 - $4,635 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,374 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Portland, ME
How do I know a mover is 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,159 - $1,325), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $172/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME?
Costs on this route range from around $1,682 to $13,343, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,352 and $13,343, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Modesto, CA to Portland, ME?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.