($514+) Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH, runs anywhere from $514 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,455 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 738 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,765, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,455 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,417, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $514 - $1,461.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,494 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 Cleveland, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Portland to Cleveland: 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 $2,494 - $6,085. Moving containers run about 48% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 78% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 738-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 738-mile route from Portland to Cleveland, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,765 - $4,808 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,084 - $1,914), rental truck ($514 - $1,025), or freight trailer ($911 - $1,723). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,494 - $6,085 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,455.
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 Cleveland, OH
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 738-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio, with prices running from $1,765 - $8,455. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $301 - $2,008 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Portland and Cleveland 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 Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,765 - $4,808
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,494 - $6,085
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,180 - $8,455
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 Cleveland.
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 Cleveland, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Cleveland, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| 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 | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Cleveland?
Look for Ohio Association of Movers membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Ohio 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Portland, ME. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio, cost between $1,084 and $3,417. 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 Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $1,914
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,653
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,813 - $3,417
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Portland, ME, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $703, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $75 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $151 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Portland, ME, and Cleveland, OH, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Ohio 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 $1,084. 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 $1,287 - $2,653.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Cleveland?
- 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 Cleveland, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 738 miles from Portland, Maine, to Cleveland, Ohio, running $514 - $1,461. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $236 - $269
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Cleveland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $514 - $1,025
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $544 - $1,136
- 4+ bedrooms: $680 - $1,461
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $514 - $1,461 when pricing out a rental truck from Portland to Cleveland. Fuel alone runs $236 - $269, and overnight lodging ($151/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $151 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 $65 and $326 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $236 - $269 in fuel for the 738-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $703 in Portland, Maine, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Cleveland?
- 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 Cleveland, OH
For larger DIY moves from Portland, Maine, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Cleveland, Ohio.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,040 and $2,185.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $911 - $1,723
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,040 - $2,185
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,408 - $2,707
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?
- 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 $75 and $151.
- 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 $703.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Cleveland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Cleveland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Cleveland, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Cleveland, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 83 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,295/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $96,509 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $39,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 57/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 36.59/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Cleveland, OH to Portland, ME guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maine to Ohio, 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 46 movers in Maine, so you have real options to compare for this 738-mile move.
Our take
The 738-mile move from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH, costs between $1,765 and $8,455 with full-service movers, $1,084 - $3,417 with a moving container, and $514 - $1,461 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,494 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cleveland tend to point to abundant food options and beautiful nature, though construction and brutal winters come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Cleveland, OH
How walkable is Cleveland?
Cleveland has a walkability score of 57 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, 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 Cleveland a safe place to live?
Cleveland has a safety index of 36.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.41, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Portland, ME to Cleveland, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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.