($771+) Portland, ME to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $771 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,617 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,236 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,356, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,617 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,197 - $4,233, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $771 - $2,221.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,909 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 Madison, WI
Moving options from Portland to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,909 - $6,799 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 45% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 72% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,236 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,236-mile route from Portland to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,356 for a studio up to $9,617 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,197 - $4,233 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $771 - $2,221, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,133 - $3,557, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Madison, WI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,236-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Madison, Wisconsin, with costs ranging from $2,356 - $9,617. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $325 - $2,168. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Portland and Madison. Local movers in Portland typically start around $382 as a base rate plus $135/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,356 - $5,570
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,909 - $6,799
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,167 - $9,617
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 Madison.
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 Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $542 - $5,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $217 - $1,301/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $325 - $2,602 |
| 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 | $1,084 - $3,252 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,710 - $10,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $812 - $1,543 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Tiny Tim's Moving | $1,084 - $2,710 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $867 - $3,794 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $325 - $1,626 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $705 - $2,168 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $325 - $16,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $325 - $3,794+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Madison?
All three below meet the standards set by the Wisconsin Movers Association, the group most Wisconsin movers are affiliated with.
- 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 Madison, WI
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,197 and $4,233. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Madison. If you go over that window, storage in Portland adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $2,199
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,258
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,067 - $4,233
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 $759 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 $81 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $163 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 Madison, WI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Wisconsin 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 $1,197. 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 $1,605 - $3,258.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Madison?
- 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 Madison, WI
A rental truck for this 1,236-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $771 and $2,221. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $426 - $487
- 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 Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $771 - $1,458
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $801 - $1,803
- 4+ bedrooms: $987 - $2,221
Pro tip: A rental truck from Portland to Madison looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $771 - $2,221. But once you factor in fuel ($426 - $487), overnight lodging ($163/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $163 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 $759 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,236-mile drive falls between $426 and $487, 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 $54 and $325 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Madison?
- 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 Madison, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Portland, Maine, to Madison, Wisconsin. 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 $976 and $2,709.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,133 - $2,042
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,284 - $2,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,723 - $3,557
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $81 - $163 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 $759.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Madison?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Madison, WI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Portland and Madison to plan around. Cost of living index: 112 vs. 103. Average rent: $1,991/mo vs. $1,600/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 62 vs. 50. Safety index: 67.84 vs. 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Portland, ME guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Wisconsin in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 46 movers based in Maine, handy for sizing up options on this 1,236-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Portland, ME, to Madison, WI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,356 for a studio to $9,617 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,236-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,197 - $4,233. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $771 - $2,221, 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 $2,909 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Madison, WI
What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, ME to Madison, WI?
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 $801 - $1,803. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Madison a safe place to live?
Madison has a safety index of 65.43 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.57, 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 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 is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Madison, WI?
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 do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations.
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.