($1,576+) Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Salt Lake City, UT, runs anywhere from $1,592 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $15,234 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,463 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $3,103, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $15,234 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,043 - $7,176, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,592 - $4,190.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Salt Lake City, UT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,931 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 524 real quotes from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT, 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.
Compare moving options from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT
Moving options from Portland to Salt Lake City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $4,931 - $10,040 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.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,463-mile route from Portland to Salt Lake City, 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 $3,103 - $7,204 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($2,043 - $3,760), rental truck ($1,592 - $2,870), or freight trailer ($1,858 - $3,454). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,931 - $10,040 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $15,234.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,463-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Salt Lake City, Utah, with prices running from $3,103 - $15,234. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $347 - $2,312 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Portland and Salt Lake City are the two biggest drivers of your final price.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,103 - $7,204
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,931 - $10,040
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,385 - $15,234
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 Salt Lake City.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Utah. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Portland to Salt Lake City. Prices are localized to Portland costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Portland to Salt Lake City) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $578 - $5,780 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $231 - $1,387/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $347 - $2,774 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,156 - $3,468 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,890 - $11,560 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $866 - $1,645 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,156 - $2,890 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $925 - $4,046 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $347 - $1,734 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $751 - $2,312 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $347 - $17,340+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $347 - $4,046+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Salt Lake City?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 Salt Lake City, UT
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $2,043 and $7,176. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,043 - $3,760
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,647 - $5,336
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,463 - $7,176
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $809 in Portland, ME. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $87 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $173 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Salt Lake City, UT, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Utah 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 $2,043. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,647 - $5,336, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Salt Lake City?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT
Moving truck rentals from Portland, Maine, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $1,592 and $4,190. A rental truck is the most hands-on way to move. You load your belongings into the truck yourself, drive the full 2,463 miles to your new home, and unload everything when you arrive. The base rate covers the truck rental only. Fuel ($906 - $1,035), insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) are billed separately.
Rental moving truck sizes generally run from 10 - 26 feet. The 15- to 17-foot truck is the go-to option for most 2-bedroom moves. Studio and 1-bedroom moves typically fit into a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck, while 3+ bedroom homes usually call for a 20- to 26-foot truck. Keep in mind that anything 20 feet or larger typically requires diesel fuel, which adds to your fuel budget for the trip.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Portland to Salt Lake City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,592 - $2,870
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,705
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,028 - $4,190
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,592 - $4,190 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Portland to Salt Lake City. Fuel ($906 - $1,035) , lodging at around $173/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $906 - $1,035 for the 2,463-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 $809.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,463-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $173 per night, adding $347 - $520 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $58 and $347.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Salt Lake City?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Freight trailer costs from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT
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 Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $2,034 and $4,574.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,858 - $3,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,034 - $4,574
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,742 - $5,681
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $87 - $173 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 $809.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Salt Lake City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Portland to Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, UT
Good news for your budget: Salt Lake City isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Portland. Cost of living index runs 121 there against 112 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, ME guide.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to Salt Lake City, UT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $3,103 for a studio to $15,234 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,463-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,043 - $7,176. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,592 - $4,190, 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 $4,931 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
How to plan your move from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT
- Compare your moving service options: Decide which service fits your Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT move by comparing hands-off full-service pricing ($3,103 - $15,234) with lower-cost DIY container and truck options.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Get a tailored estimate for your move from Portland to Salt Lake City using the moving cost calculator before you start contacting movers.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Shortlist a few movers from our recommended picks for this route, weighing their moveBuddha ratings and the strengths called out in each review.
- Request free quotes: Reach out for free estimates from your top choices so you can compare actual costs, not just averages, before booking.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Protect yourself by looking up the mover's registration and complaint history with the FMCSA before you sign anything.
- Book early and time your move: Schedule your move for the fall or winter when demand drops, and book ahead to secure the best price and date for this route.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT?
Fall and winter, roughly October - March, are consistently the most affordable times to move from Portland, Maine, to Salt Lake City, Utah. Fewer people are relocating during those months, which means lower prices, better availability, and more leverage when negotiating with movers.
Summer is the most expensive time to move, with peak demand running from mid-May through mid-September. If your schedule allows any flexibility, even shifting your move a few weeks earlier or later than the summer rush can save you a noticeable amount.
How much does moving from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT cost?
Rental trucks start at $1,592 for a move from Portland to Salt Lake City, making them roughly 50% cheaper than full-service movers for a 1-bedroom apartment. The price range for this route is $3,103 on the low end to $15,234 on the high end. A studio or small apartment using a rental truck is going to land near the bottom, while a large home with a full-service crew will land near the top.
What is the most budget-friendly way to move from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT?
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest option for moving from Portland to Salt Lake City, since you handle all the labor yourself and only pay for the vehicle. A 2-bedroom truck rental on this route averages $1,673 - $3,705. Take a look at our cheapest truck rental recommendations to lock in the lowest base rate for your DIY relocation.
What looks affordable upfront often isn't once you factor in the extras. Fuel ($906 - $1,035), insurance ($35/day), equipment rentals ($8 - $23), and overnight lodging ($173/night for cross-country drives) all add up beyond the base rate. Run the full math before booking your move from Portland, Maine, to Salt Lake City, Utah.
What tips should I follow when moving from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT?
Reducing your shipment by 500 pounds, roughly the equivalent of decluttering one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Staying organized throughout the process matters just as much. A detailed moving checklist keeps you on schedule, helps you avoid last-minute mistakes, and makes the whole experience considerably less overwhelming.
How long does a move from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT take?
Full-service and container moves on this route typically take 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. Carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps transit times and costs in a reasonable range.
Freight trailers are the fastest delivery option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself, and they tend to have more consistent delivery windows than full-service movers. Just keep in mind that freight works best when you're ready to receive your shipment on the other end.
If you need storage or your move-in isn't locked in yet, a container or full-service mover gives you more flexibility. Driving a rental truck from Portland, Maine, to Salt Lake City, Utah, puts the timeline entirely in your hands.