Lexington, KY to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Lexington to Portland typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,017 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Lexington to Portland
Moving from Lexington, KY to Portland, ME typically costs $2,800–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,017-mile move from Lexington 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
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $5,212 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,990 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $5,315 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 02, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Lexington 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 $2,400, but larger homes can run up to $9,100.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Lexington.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($700–$2,000) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Lexington, KY guide.
Best Lexington to Portland movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Lexington to Portland
For a stress-free interstate move from Lexington 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 KY→ME movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 29 Kentucky 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 Lexington to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Portland runs about -20% higher for singles and 45% higher for families than Lexington.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Portland versus $3,100 in Lexington; families pay $6,060 compared with $4,170.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lexington | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,175 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,110 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $309,021 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,100 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,170 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 5.8% |
- As you consider relocating to Portland, note that rent can be roughly 48% more expensive than it is in Lexington; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 75% higher in Portland than in Lexington.
- The average income in Portland and Lexington is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Portland, where the cost of living for a single person is 20% less than in Lexington.
- If your journey leads to Portland, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 45% more than it is in Lexington.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 21% higher compared to Lexington, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Portland than in Lexington. 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 45% higher in Maine compared to Kentucky. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Lexington with Portland:
| Living Expense | Lexington | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $206.92 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.33 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.98 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.90 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $14.25 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lexington than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Lexington than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lexington than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Lexington than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lexington than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lexington than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lexington than in Portland.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Portland
| Lexington | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,347 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 90 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 85 | 68 |
| Crime index | 50.88 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 49.12 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 79% less than Lexington.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Lexington's score of 4.
- Portland is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Lexington's 90 out of 100.
- Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Lexington, which has a score of 85.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 32.16 compared to Lexington's 50.88. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Lexington with a safety index of 67.84 vs Lexington's 49.12.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Lexington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Lexington 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 Lexington to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lexington to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lexington are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Portland?
Because spring and fall moves from Lexington 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 Lexington to Portland take?
A move of 1,017 miles from Lexington, KY to Portland, ME generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Lexington sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Portland is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Lexington offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 6 movers in Lexington have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across KY, there are 21 piano movers and 14 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.
