($1,682+) Portland, ME to Ontario, CA Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $1,682 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,299 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,045 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 $3,050, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $14,299 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,042 - $7,668, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,682 - $4,496.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,692 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 Portland, ME to Ontario, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Portland to Ontario: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $4,692 - $9,132. Moving containers run about 47% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 63% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 3,045-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,045-mile route from Portland to Ontario, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $3,050 for a studio up to $14,299 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $2,042 - $7,668 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,682 - $4,496, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,802 - $6,254, 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 Portland, ME to Ontario, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 3,045-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Ontario, California, with prices running from $3,050 - $14,299. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $344 - $2,296 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Portland and Ontario are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Portland movers tend to run around $382 as a base rate plus $135/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,050 - $7,073
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,692 - $9,132
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,828 - $14,299
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 Ontario.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Ontario, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ontario, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $574 - $5,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $230 - $1,378/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $344 - $2,755 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,148 - $3,444 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,870 - $11,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $860 - $1,634 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,148 - $2,870 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $918 - $4,018 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $344 - $1,722 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $746 - $2,296 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $344 - $17,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $344 - $4,018+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Ontario?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Portland, ME, 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 Portland, ME to Ontario, CA
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Ontario, California, cost between $2,042 and $7,668. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Portland costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,042 - $3,753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,468 - $5,663
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,446 - $7,668
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $86 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $172 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Ontario, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $804 in Portland, ME. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $2,042. 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 $2,468 - $5,663.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Ontario?
- 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 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:
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 0 years in business
- SC Moving Services (5.0/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Ontario, CA
Plan on $1,682 - $4,496 for a rental moving truck on the 3,045-mile route from Portland, Maine, to Ontario, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,112 - $1,271
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Portland to Ontario based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,682 - $3,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,733 - $3,736
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,237 - $4,496
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,682 - $4,496 when pricing out a rental truck from Portland to Ontario. Fuel alone runs $1,112 - $1,271, and overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Portland, Maine, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $804.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,112 - $1,271 for the 3,045-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 $69 and $373, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $172 per night for hotel stops on the 3,045-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $344 - $517.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Ontario?
- 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 Portland, ME to Ontario, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Portland, Maine, to Ontario, California. 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 $1,033 and $4,399.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,802 - $3,481
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,995 - $4,399
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,757 - $6,254
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $86 - $172 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about five hours typically runs $804.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Ontario?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Ontario quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Ontario, CA
Good news for your budget: Ontario isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Portland. Cost of living index runs 119 there against 112 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 62/100 and 67.84/100 here versus 48/100 and 49.75/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ontario, CA to Portland, ME guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Maine to California 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 46 movers in our Maine network to compare for this 3,045-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Portland, ME, to Ontario, 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 $3,050 - $14,299 on the 3,045-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,042 - $7,668 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,682 - $4,496 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,692 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 Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Ontario, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Portland, ME to Ontario, 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.
Is Ontario a safe place to live?
Ontario has a safety index of 49.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.25, compared to 67.84 and 32.16 in Portland. 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 Ontario?
Ontario has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 62 and 68 in Portland. 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 Ontario?
For families, Creekside, Parkview, and Ontario Ranch are worth a look in Ontario. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Ontario, Piemonte, and Ontario Ranch tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.