($1,732+) Portland, ME to Irvine, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA

Moving from Portland, ME, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,680 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $16,582 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,084 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $3,365, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $16,582 or more.
  • Moving containers run $2,123 - $7,973, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,680 - $4,717.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $5,330 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA

Moving options from Portland to Irvine 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 $5,330 - $9,784 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 3,084 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,084-mile route from Portland to Irvine, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $3,365 - $8,040, container $2,123 - $4,020, rental truck $1,680 - $3,495, freight trailer $2,006 - $3,838.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $5,330 - $9,784, container $2,809 - $5,543, rental truck $1,913 - $3,921, freight trailer $2,181 - $4,572.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $9,074 - $16,582, container $3,958 - $7,973, rental truck $2,395 - $4,717, freight trailer $3,167 - $6,378.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA

Full-service movers for the 3,084-mile relocation from Portland, Maine, to Irvine, California, cost between $3,365 and $16,582. 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 $400 - $2,664, 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 Portland typically charge a base rate around $382 plus $135 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,365 - $8,040
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $5,330 - $9,784
  • 4+ bedrooms: $9,074 - $16,582

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 Portland to Irvine.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Portland, ME to Irvine, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$666 - $6,660
Storage in transitNew place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$266 - $1,598/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$400 - $3,197
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers$1,332 - $3,996
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,330 - $13,320
Car shippingSecond vehicle$998 - $1,895
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine$1,332 - $3,330
PianoAny piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$1,066 - $4,662
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers$400 - $1,998
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine$866 - $2,664
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$400 - $19,980+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$400 - $4,662+

What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Irvine?

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Portland, ME. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA

Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Irvine, California, cost between $2,123 and $7,973. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Irvine. If you go over that window, storage in Portland adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,123 - $4,020
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,809 - $5,543
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,958 - $7,973

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Portland, ME and Irvine, CA. 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 $932 in Portland, ME, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $200 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 Maine to California 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 $2,123. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,809 - $5,543, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Portland to Irvine?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Portland 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 Portland:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
  • Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
  • Integrity Movers, 0 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA

A rental truck for this 3,084-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Irvine, California, costs between $1,680 and $4,717. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $1,307 - $1,494
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
  • Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Portland to Irvine based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,680 - $3,495
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,913 - $3,921
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,395 - $4,717

Pro tip: A rental truck from Portland to Irvine looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,680 - $4,717. But once you factor in fuel ($1,307 - $1,494) , overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

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 $100 and $466.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $200.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,307 and $1,494 for the 3,084-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 $932 for 2 movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Irvine?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Portland, ME to Irvine, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Irvine, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,181 and $4,572.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,006 - $3,838
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,181 - $4,572
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,167 - $6,378

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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $100 and $200.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for roughly five hours typically average $932.

What are the best freight companies from Portland to Irvine?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine 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: Portland, ME vs Irvine, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Portland, ME Irvine, CA
Cost of living index112165
Average rent$1,991/mo$4,000/mo
Median home value$452,202$1,113,305
Average income$76,174/yr$129,647/yr
Unemployment rate5.2%5.4%
State income taxUp to 5.8%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score62/10043/100
Safety index67.84/10068.99/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Irvine, CA to Portland, ME guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maine to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Maine alone has 15 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 3,084-mile move like this one.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Portland, ME, to Irvine, CA, 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 $3,365 - $16,582 on the 3,084-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,123 - $7,973 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,680 - $4,717 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $5,330 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 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.

FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Irvine, CA

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA?

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 do local movers charge in Portland?

Local movers based in Portland typically start around $382 as a base rate, plus $135/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 Irvine run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How long does a move from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What are the best neighborhoods in Irvine?

For families, Westpark II, Turtle Rock, and Woodbridge are worth a look in Irvine. If you're moving solo or without kids, Westpark, Westpark II, and Oak Creek tend to be popular picks instead.

What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, ME to Irvine, CA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,913 - $3,921. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 100% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.