($398+) Rochester, NY to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Rochester, NY, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $398 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,841 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 $1,006, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,841 or more.
- Moving containers run $891 - $3,002, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $398 - $1,094.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Rochester, NY, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,707 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 Rochester, NY to Portland, ME
Moving options from Rochester to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,707 - $4,631 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% 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 Rochester to Portland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,006 - $3,274 | $891 - $1,594 | $398 - $781 | $860 - $1,525 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,707 - $4,631 | $1,176 - $2,316 | $446 - $856 | $999 - $1,852 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,013 - $6,841 | $1,565 - $3,002 | $561 - $1,094 | $1,316 - $2,426 |
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 Rochester, NY to Portland, ME
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 490-mile move from Rochester, New York, to Portland, Maine, with prices running from $1,006 - $6,841. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $295 - $1,964 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Rochester and Portland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Rochester movers tend to run around $294 as a base rate plus $216/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Rochester to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,006 - $3,274
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,707 - $4,631
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,013 - $6,841
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 Rochester to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Rochester, NY to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Rochester movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $491 - $4,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $196 - $1,178/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,357 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $982 - $2,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,455 - $9,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $736 - $1,397 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items18% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Corrigan Moving Systems | $982 - $2,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type29% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $786 - $3,437 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $295 - $1,473 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $638 - $1,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,437+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Rochester to Portland?
Maine Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maine, 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 Rochester, NY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Rochester to Portland with a local mover averages $1,792 - $4,862. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Rochester, NY can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Rochester, ranked #7 in New York, based on our analysis of feedback from 801 customers, 85.6% of which is positive.
Address: 268 N Union St, BLDG 10, Rochester, NY, 14605 | Founded: 2003
Moving container costs from Rochester, NY to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Rochester, New York, to Portland, Maine, cost between $891 and $3,002. 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 Portland. If you go over that window, storage in Rochester adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Rochester to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $891 - $1,594
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,176 - $2,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,565 - $3,002
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 $687 in Rochester, NY. 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 $74 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $147 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 Portland, ME, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York to Maine 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 $891. 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 $1,176 - $2,316.
What are the best moving containers Rochester to Portland?
- 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 Rochester 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 Rochester:
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Joe's Moving Co. (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Rochester, NY to Portland, ME
Renting a moving truck for the 490-mile move from Rochester, New York, to Portland, Maine, costs between $398 and $1,094, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $153 - $175
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Rochester daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Rochester to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $398 - $781
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $446 - $856
- 4+ bedrooms: $561 - $1,094
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Rochester to Portland starts at $398 - $1,094, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($153 - $175), overnight lodging ($147/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $153 - $175 for the 490-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 Rochester, New York, for about 5 hours typically costs around $687.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 490-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $147 per night, adding $295 - $442 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $295.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Rochester to Portland?
- 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 Rochester, NY to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Rochester, New York, to Portland, Maine, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $999 and $1,852.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Rochester to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $860 - $1,525
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $999 - $1,852
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,316 - $2,426
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Rochester, New York, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $687.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $74 - $147 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Rochester to Portland?
- 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 Portland 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: Rochester, NY vs Portland, ME
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Rochester on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Rochester, NY | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 89 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Median home value | $120,492 | $452,202 |
| Average income | $46,628/yr | $76,174/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 5.8% |
| Walkability score | 61/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 36.66/100 | 67.84/100 |
| 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 Portland, ME to Rochester, NY guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New York to Maine over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 469 movers in our New York network to compare for this 490-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 490-mile route from Rochester, NY, to Portland, ME, run $1,006 - $6,841 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $891 - $3,002, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $398 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,707, 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 TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Rochester, NY, to Portland, ME
What do local movers charge in Rochester?
Local movers based in Rochester typically start around $294 as a base rate, plus $216/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 Portland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Rochester, NY to Portland, ME take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 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 are the best neighborhoods in Portland?
For families, Deering Center, East End, and Rosemont are worth a look in Portland. If you're moving solo or without kids, East End, West End, and West Bayside tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Rochester, NY to Portland, ME?
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 - $856. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Portland a safe place to live?
Portland has a safety index of 67.84 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.16, compared to 36.66 and 37.54 in Rochester. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Rochester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 29% of movers in Rochester handle piano moves, and 18% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.