($622+) Portland, ME to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $616 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,261 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 874 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,087, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,261 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,174 - $3,748, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $616 - $1,694.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,811 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 Columbus, OH
Moving options from Portland to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,811 - $7,017 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 874 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 874-mile route from Portland to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,087 for a studio up to $9,261 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,174 - $3,748 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $616 - $1,694, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,016 - $3,213, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH
For the 874-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $2,087 and $9,261. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $311 - $2,072 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Portland generally start around $382 plus $135 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,087 - $5,140
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,811 - $7,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,738 - $9,261
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 Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Columbus?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,174 and $3,748. 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 Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,174 - $2,065
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,436 - $2,865
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,748
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $78 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $155 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $725 in Portland, ME, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Columbus, OH, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,174. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,436 - $2,865, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Columbus?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Integrity Movers, 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH
Plan on $616 - $1,694 for a rental moving truck on the 874-mile route from Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $288 - $329
- 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 Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $616 - $1,186
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $679 - $1,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $850 - $1,694
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $616 - $1,694 when pricing out a rental truck from Portland to Columbus. Fuel alone runs ($288 - $329) , and overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $288 - $329 for the 874-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours typically costs around $725.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 874-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $155 per night, adding $311 - $466 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $311.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Columbus?
- 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 Columbus, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Portland, Maine, to Columbus, Ohio. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $932 and $2,456.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,933
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,137 - $2,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,512 - $3,213
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $78 - $155 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Portland, Maine, typically costs $725.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Columbus?
- 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.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Portland to Columbus, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Columbus, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, ME | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $452,202 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $76,174/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 67.84/100 | 50.35/100 |
| 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 Columbus, OH to Portland, ME guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Ohio, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 15 movers licensed in Maine, useful context for sizing up this 874-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,087 for a studio to $9,261 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 874-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,174 - $3,748. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $616 - $1,694, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,811 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH
How much does it cost to move from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $2,087 to $9,261, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,087 and $9,261, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH?
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 $679 - $1,354. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($288 - $329), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Columbus, 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.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
