Portland, ME to Santa Clarita, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Santa Clarita typically costs $5,800–$10,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 3,078 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Santa Clarita
Moving from Portland, ME to Santa Clarita, CA typically costs $5,800–$10,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 3,078-mile move from Portland to Santa Clarita, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,864 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $3,757 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,345 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Santa Clarita move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $3,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $17,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Portland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,900 to $5,500, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Santa Clarita movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Santa Clarita
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Portland to Santa Clarita much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best ME→CA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 15 Maine movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Santa Clarita
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Santa Clarita runs about 32% higher for singles and 11% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $3,290 in Santa Clarita versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $6,722 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $2,908 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $3,898 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $804,740 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $106,166 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $3,290 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $6,722 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Santa Clarita? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 65% higher than in Portland, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Santa Clarita are about 48% higher than those in Portland.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 65% higher in Santa Clarita compared to Portland, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Santa Clarita, as living costs for a single person are 32% higher than in Portland. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Santa Clarita, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Santa Clarita is 11% higher than in Portland.
- Santa Clarita shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Portland by around 85%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Santa Clarita are 73% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 129% above those in Maine. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Santa Clarita:
| Living Expense | Portland | Santa Clarita |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $263.33 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.97 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $37.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in Santa Clarita, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in Santa Clarita.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Santa Clarita.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Santa Clarita.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Santa Clarita.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Santa Clarita.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Santa Clarita.
How life is different in Portland vs. Santa Clarita
| Portland | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 228,673 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 33 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 35.92 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 64.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Santa Clarita's population is about 234% greater than Portland.
- Santa Clarita's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Portland's score of 6.
- Santa Clarita is less walkable than Portland with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Santa Clarita has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Santa Clarita's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 35.92 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Santa Clarita neighborhoods are safer than 35.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Santa Clarita is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 64.08 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Santa Clarita is Moderate, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Santa Clarita move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Santa Clarita. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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.
Where to live in Santa Clarita
Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Santa Clarita.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Valencia
- Newhall
- Canyon Country
- Saugus
- Stevenson Ranch
Best neighborhoods for families
- Valencia
- Saugus
- Stevenson Ranch
- Canyon Country
- Newhall
Things to do in Santa Clarita
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Santa Clarita has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Santa Clarita features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the William S. Hart Museum & Ranch, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, and The Olde World Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Santa Clarita Woodlands Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an FC Santa Claritai9 Sports Santa Clarita (flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball)Santa Clarita Sports Center (soccer)Santa Clarita Youth Sports (basketball, flag football, T-Ball/Softball, Volleyball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Santa Clarita?
Planning your move from Portland to Santa Clarita? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Santa Clarita?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Santa Clarita in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Portland to Santa Clarita take?
The 3,078-mile journey from Portland, ME to Santa Clarita, CA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Portland offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Santa Clarita.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Portland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Portland, 9 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maine has 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
