($394+) Portland, ME to Rochester, NY Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Rochester, NY, runs anywhere from $394 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,828 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 490 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,352, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,828 or more.
- Moving containers run $900 - $2,943, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $394 - $1,020.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Rochester, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,136 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 Rochester, NY
Moving options from Portland to Rochester fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,136 - $5,742 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 79% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 490-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 490-mile route from Portland to Rochester, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,352 - $4,482 with full-service movers, $900 - $1,628 with a container, $394 - $758 with a rental truck, or $843 - $1,510 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,136 - $5,742 full-service, $1,236 - $2,200 by container, $446 - $838 by rental truck, or $932 - $1,815 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,171 - $8,828 full-service, $1,565 - $2,943 by container, $566 - $1,020 by rental truck, or $1,329 - $2,497 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Rochester, NY
Hiring full-service movers from Portland, Maine, to Rochester, New York, costs between $1,352 and $8,828. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 490-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $308 - $2,056, 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 Rochester. 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 Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,352 - $4,482
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,136 - $5,742
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,171 - $8,828
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 Rochester.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Rochester, NY
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Rochester, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $514 - $5,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $206 - $1,234/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,467 |
| 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 | $1,028 - $3,084 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,570 - $10,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $770 - $1,463 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Allen & Coles Moving Systems | $1,028 - $2,570 |
| Piano | Any piano type53% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $822 - $3,598 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $308 - $1,542 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $668 - $2,056 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,598+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Rochester?
New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in New York, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Portland, ME?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Portland to Rochester with a local mover averages $2,221 - $5,971. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Portland, ME can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.48/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Portland, ranked #1 in Maine, based on our analysis of feedback from 931 customers, 95.0% of which is positive.
Address: 24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME, 04092 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Rochester, NY
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Rochester, New York, cost between $900 and $2,943. 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 Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,628
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,200
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,565 - $2,943
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $77 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $154 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Rochester, NY, 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 $720 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 New York 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 $900. 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 $1,236 - $2,200.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Rochester?
- 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 Rochester, NY
A rental truck for this 490-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Rochester, New York, costs between $394 and $1,020. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $160 - $183
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Rochester based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $394 - $758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $446 - $838
- 4+ bedrooms: $566 - $1,020
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $394 - $1,020 when pricing out a rental truck from Portland to Rochester. Fuel alone runs $160 - $183, and overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $154 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $334 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $160 - $183 in fuel for the 490-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $720 in Portland, Maine, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Rochester?
- 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 Rochester, NY
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Portland, Maine, to Rochester, New York. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $932 and $1,815.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $843 - $1,510
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $932 - $1,815
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,329 - $2,497
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 $77 and $154.
- 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 $720.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Rochester?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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 Rochester 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 Rochester, NY
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Rochester, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 89 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $120,492 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $46,628/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 10.9% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 61/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 36.66/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Rochester, NY to Portland, ME guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maine to New York, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 25 movers in Maine, so you have real options to compare for this 490-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 490-mile route from Portland, ME, to Rochester, NY, run $1,352 - $8,828 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $900 - $2,943, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $394 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,136, 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 Wegmans Food Markets and Paychex.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Rochester, NY
What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, ME to Rochester, NY?
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 $446 - $838. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Portland, ME to Rochester, NY?
Costs on this route range from around $394 to $8,828, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,352 and $8,828, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Rochester run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New York?
New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 53% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.