($923+) Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $923 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,582 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,497 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,416, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,582 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,325 - $4,959, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $923 - $2,346.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,308 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 Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Portland to Minneapolis 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 $3,308 - $7,306 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 49% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,497 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,497-mile route from Portland to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,416 - $5,588 | $1,325 - $2,509 | $923 - $1,649 | $1,241 - $2,326 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,308 - $7,306 | $1,693 - $3,539 | $911 - $1,921 | $1,439 - $2,718 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,847 - $10,582 | $2,446 - $4,959 | $1,208 - $2,346 | $1,862 - $3,816 |
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 Minneapolis, MN
Hiring full-service movers from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $2,416 and $10,582. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,497-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $330 - $2,200, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Portland and Minneapolis. For a rough baseline, movers based in Portland tend to start around $382 plus $135/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,416 - $5,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,308 - $7,306
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,847 - $10,582
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 Minneapolis.
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 Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $550 - $5,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $220 - $1,320/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $330 - $2,640 |
| 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 | $1,100 - $3,300 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,750 - $11,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $824 - $1,565 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,100 - $2,750 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $880 - $3,850 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $330 - $1,650 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $715 - $2,200 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $330 - $16,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $330 - $3,850+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Minneapolis?
Look for Minnesota Transport Services Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Minnesota 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 Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,325 and $4,959. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Portland runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,325 - $2,509
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,693 - $3,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,446 - $4,959
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Portland, ME and Minneapolis, MN. 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 $770 in Portland, ME, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $165 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 Minnesota 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 $1,325. 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 $1,693 - $3,539.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Minneapolis?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
Renting a moving truck for the 1,497-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $923 and $2,346, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $524 - $599
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $923 - $1,649
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $911 - $1,921
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,346
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Portland to Minneapolis starts at $923 - $2,346, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($524 - $599), overnight lodging ($165/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $165 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Portland, Maine, usually costs about $770 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,497-mile drive falls between $524 and $599, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $55 and $330 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Minneapolis?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,439 and $2,718.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,241 - $2,326
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,439 - $2,718
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,862 - $3,816
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $83 and $165.
- 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 $770.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Minneapolis?
- 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.
- 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.
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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN
Portland and Minneapolis land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 112 in Portland and 107 in Minneapolis, and average rent is $1,991/mo vs. $1,484/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 62 vs 71 and safety scores are 67.84 vs 43.94.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN 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 Minnesota, 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 46 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,497-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,497-mile route from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN, run $2,416 - $10,582 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,325 - $4,959, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $923 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,308, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Minneapolis, MN
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 Minneapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.
What are the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis?
For families, Diamond Lake, Fulton, and Kenny are worth a look in Minneapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Linden Hills, Loring Park, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 83, 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.
Is Minneapolis a safe place to live?
Minneapolis has a safety index of 43.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 56.06, 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.
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.