($1,060+) Lafayette, LA to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $1,060 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,156 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,734 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,279, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,156 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,430 - $5,427, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,060 - $2,796.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lafayette, LA, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,183 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Lafayette, LA to Portland, ME
There are 3 main ways to move from Lafayette to Portland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,183 - $6,595. Containers cost roughly 39% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 65% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,734 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,734-mile route from Lafayette to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,279 for a studio up to $10,156 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,430 - $5,427 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,060 - $2,796, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,287 - $4,218, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Lafayette, LA to Portland, ME
For the 1,734-mile move from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Portland, Maine, full-service movers cost between $2,279 and $10,156. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $296 - $1,976 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Lafayette generally start around $260 plus $260 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lafayette to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,279 - $5,326
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,183 - $6,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,460 - $10,156
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 Lafayette to Portland.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Lafayette, LA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 40% of Lafayette 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 packing60% of local movers | $494 - $4,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready40% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $198 - $1,186/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $296 - $2,371 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage25% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $988 - $2,964 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,470 - $9,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $740 - $1,406 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers | $988 - $2,470 |
| Piano | Any piano type20% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers | $790 - $3,458 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $296 - $1,482 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers (LA) | $642 - $1,976 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $296 - $14,820+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $296 - $3,458+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lafayette 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Lafayette, LA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Lafayette, LA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,430 and $5,427. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Lafayette typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lafayette to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,430 - $2,752
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,942 - $3,774
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,445 - $5,427
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $692 in Lafayette, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $74 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $148 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Portland, ME, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana 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 $1,430. 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 $1,942 - $3,774.
What are the best moving containers Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette:
- Acadiana Movers (4.4/5), 16 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- Reliable Movers LLC (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Lafayette, LA to Portland, ME
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,734 miles from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Portland, Maine, running $1,060 - $2,796. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $545 - $623
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Lafayette daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Lafayette to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,060 - $1,979
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,113 - $2,309
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,431 - $2,796
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,060 - $2,796 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Lafayette to Portland. Fuel ($545 - $623), lodging at around $148/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $346.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $148.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $545 and $623 for the 1,734-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $692 for 2 movers in Lafayette, Louisiana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lafayette 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 Lafayette, LA to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Portland, Maine. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $889 and $2,958.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lafayette to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,287 - $2,353
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,568 - $2,958
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,100 - $4,218
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Lafayette, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $692.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $74 - $148 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Lafayette to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Lafayette to Portland, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Lafayette, LA 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 Lafayette on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Lafayette, LA | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 112 |
| Average rent | $2,825/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $249,492 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $61,454/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 42/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 54.25/100 | 67.84/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Lafayette, LA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Louisiana to Maine, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 73 movers in Louisiana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,734-mile move.
Our take
The 1,734-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Portland, ME, costs between $2,279 and $10,156 with full-service movers, $1,430 - $5,427 with a moving container, and $1,060 - $2,796 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,183 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Portland, ME
Is Portland a safe place to live?
Portland has a safety index of 67.84 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.16, compared to 54.25 and 45.75 in Lafayette. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 42 and 47 in Lafayette. 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 Lafayette?
Local movers based in Lafayette typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $260/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 percentage of Lafayette movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 20% of movers in Lafayette handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.