Top Portland, ME to San Diego, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Portland guide.

1. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.34 out of 5 stars
5. Midwest Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Maine to California

Planning a move from Maine to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $2,050 and $8,386. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $6,117 and $12,039 for the same journey (ME to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $11,168 to $18,089.

Cost of moving containers from Maine to California

If you're moving from Maine to California, expect to pay between $1,817 and $4,442 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $3,254 up to $6,889. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,632 and $9,324. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Maine.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Maine to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $2,087 and $4,010. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,238 to $5,013. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,717 and $5,746.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 45% higher than in Portland.
• The home prices in San Diego are 85.1% higher than in Portland, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in San Diego, where incomes are, on average, 13.7% higher than in Portland. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 34.3% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 27.4% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 26.92% higher than in Portland.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 40.91% higher than what you are paying in Portland.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 129.31% higher than in Portland.

• San Diego's population is about 1,927% greater than Portland.
• San Diego's public transportation has a similar score to Portland.
• San Diego is less walkable than Portland with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
• San Diego has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
• San Diego's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 39.83 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• San Diego is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 60.17 vs Portland's 67.84.
• Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Portland it's good.

• Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Diego without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Gaslamp Quarter
• Hillcrest
• North Park
• Ocean Beach
• Pacific Beach

Best neighborhoods for families

• Carmel Valley
• Del Mar Heights
• Loma Portal
• Rancho Bernardo
• Rancho Penasquitos

Things to do in San Diego

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.