($1,633+) Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME Movers
The cost to move from Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME ranges from $1,480 to $13,211, with an average cost of $4,900. Moves can be as low as $1,633 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 3,111 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 Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME
Moving options from Sacramento to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,480 - $13,211 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,900, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 44% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 3,111 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 3,111-mile route from Sacramento to Portland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,480 - $6,338 | $2,002 - $3,753 | $1,682 - $3,328 | $1,892 - $3,585 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,416 - $8,867 | $2,494 - $5,718 | $1,698 - $3,963 | $2,141 - $4,182 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,230 - $13,211 | $3,518 - $7,520 | $2,259 - $4,774 | $2,728 - $6,016 |
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 Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME
Full-service movers for the 3,111-mile relocation from Sacramento, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,480 and $13,211. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $363 - $2,420, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Sacramento typically charge a base rate around $287 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sacramento to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,480 - $6,338
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,416 - $8,867
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,230 - $13,211
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 Sacramento to Portland.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Sacramento 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 packing78% of local movers | $605 - $6,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $242 - $1,452/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $363 - $2,904 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,210 - $3,630 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,025 - $12,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $906 - $1,722 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Fuller Moving Services | $1,210 - $3,025 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $968 - $4,235 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $363 - $1,815 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: A Better Moving | $787 - $2,420 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $363 - $18,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $363 - $4,235+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sacramento to Portland?
All three below meet the standards set by the Maine Motor Transport Association, the group most Maine movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Sacramento, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Sacramento, California, to Portland, Maine, cost between $2,002 and $7,520. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Sacramento typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sacramento to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,002 - $3,753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,494 - $5,718
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,518 - $7,520
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Sacramento, CA and Portland, ME. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $847 in Sacramento, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $91 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $182 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $2,002. 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 $2,494 - $5,718.
What are the best moving containers Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento:
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
- Premium Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
- House to Home Moving (4.8/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME
Plan on $1,682 - $4,774 for a rental moving truck on the 3,111-mile route from Sacramento, California, to Portland, Maine. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,198 - $1,369
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Sacramento daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $0.89
| 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 Sacramento to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,682 - $3,328
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,698 - $3,963
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,259 - $4,774
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Sacramento to Portland starts at $1,682 - $4,774, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,198 - $1,369), overnight lodging ($182/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Sacramento, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $847.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,198 - $1,369 for the 3,111-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 $73 and $393, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $182 per night for hotel stops on the 3,111-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $363 - $545.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA to Portland, ME
For larger DIY moves from Sacramento, 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 $4,182.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sacramento to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,892 - $3,585
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,141 - $4,182
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,728 - $6,016
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Sacramento, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $847.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $91 and $182 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Sacramento to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Portland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Sacramento, CA vs Portland, ME
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Sacramento on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 127 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,899/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $483,739 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $83,753/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 49/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 50.79/100 | 67.84/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Sacramento, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Maine over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 3,111-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 3,111-mile route from Sacramento, CA, to Portland, ME, run $1,480 - $13,211 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $2,002 - $7,520, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,682 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,416, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Sacramento, CA, to Portland, ME
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 49 and 67 in Sacramento. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Portland?
For families, Deering Center, East End, and Rosemont are worth a look in Portland. If you're moving solo or without kids, East End, West End, and West Bayside tend to be popular picks instead.
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 do local movers charge in Sacramento?
Local movers based in Sacramento typically start around $287 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Portland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Sacramento movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Sacramento handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.