($431+) Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $431 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,807 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 536 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,185, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,807 or more.
- Moving containers run $921 - $3,063, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $431 - $1,077.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,051 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 Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Moving options from Washington DC to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,051 - $5,216 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 78% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 536 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 536-mile route from Washington DC to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,185 - $3,593, container $921 - $1,670, rental truck $431 - $833, freight trailer $864 - $1,566.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,051 - $5,216, container $1,167 - $2,426, rental truck $451 - $902, freight trailer $1,023 - $1,865.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,524 - $7,807, container $1,719 - $3,063, rental truck $579 - $1,077, freight trailer $1,375 - $2,426.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Full-service movers for the 536-mile relocation from Washington DC, Maryland, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,185 and $7,807. 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 $406 - $2,708, 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 Washington DC typically charge a base rate around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,185 - $3,593
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,051 - $5,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,524 - $7,807
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 Washington DC to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $677 - $6,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $271 - $1,625/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,250 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,354 - $4,062 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,385 - $13,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,014 - $1,927 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,354 - $3,385 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,083 - $4,739 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $406 - $2,031 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $880 - $2,708 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,739+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Portland?
Movers licensed to operate in Maine are typically members of the Maine Motor Transport Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Washington DC, MD, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Portland, Maine, cost between $921 and $3,063. 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 Washington DC typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $921 - $1,670
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,167 - $2,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,063
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Washington DC, MD 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 $948 in Washington DC, MD, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $102 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $203 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 Maryland 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 $921. 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 $1,167 - $2,426.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 536 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to Portland, Maine, running $431 - $1,077. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $231 - $264
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $431 - $833
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $451 - $902
- 4+ bedrooms: $579 - $1,077
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $431 - $1,077 does not include fuel ($231 - $264), lodging ($203/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC 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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $203 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $88 and $440 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $231 - $264 in fuel for the 536-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $948 in Washington DC, Maryland, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Portland, Maine.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,023 and $1,865.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $864 - $1,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,023 - $1,865
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,375 - $2,426
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $102 - $203 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, typically costs $948.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC 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: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 112 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 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 Washington DC, MD guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland 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 206 movers licensed in Maryland, useful context for sizing up this 536-mile move.
Our take
The 536-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Portland, ME, costs between $1,185 and $7,807 with full-service movers, $921 - $3,063 with a moving container, and $431 - $1,077 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 $2,051 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 Washington DC, MD, 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 77 and 70 in Washington DC. 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 Washington DC?
Local movers based in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate, plus $85/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 Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.