($375+) Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $387 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,321 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 405 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 $1,118, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,321 or more.
- Moving containers run $910 - $2,972, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $387 - $980.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,870 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 Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME
There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Portland: 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 $1,870 - $5,072. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 405-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 405-mile route from Philadelphia to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,118 - $3,565, container $910 - $1,604, rental truck $387 - $717, freight trailer $888 - $1,550.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,870 - $5,072, container $1,154 - $2,327, rental truck $412 - $850, freight trailer $991 - $1,862.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,925 - $7,321, container $1,593 - $2,972, rental truck $537 - $980, freight trailer $1,287 - $2,306.
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 Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME
Full-service movers for the 405-mile relocation from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,118 and $7,321. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $322 - $2,144, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Philadelphia typically charge a base rate around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $3,565
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,870 - $5,072
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,925 - $7,321
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 Philadelphia to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Maine. 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 Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Portland, 78% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $536 - $5,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $214 - $1,286/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $322 - $2,573 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $1,072 - $3,216 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,680 - $10,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $803 - $1,525 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $1,072 - $2,680 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $858 - $3,752 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $322 - $1,608 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $697 - $2,144 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $322 - $16,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $322 - $3,752+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Portland?
Look for Maine Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maine 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.
How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Portland with a local mover averages $1,833 - $4,971. A local mover in Philadelphia, PA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.44/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Portland, Maine, cost between $910 and $2,972. 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 Philadelphia costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $910 - $1,604
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,154 - $2,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,593 - $2,972
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $80 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $161 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Portland, ME, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $750 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania 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 $910. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,154 - $2,327, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME
Plan on $387 - $980 for a rental moving truck on the 405-mile route from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Portland, Maine. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $138 - $158
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $21
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $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 Philadelphia to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $387 - $717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $412 - $850
- 4+ bedrooms: $537 - $980
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Philadelphia to Portland starts at $387 - $980, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($138 - $158) , overnight lodging ($161/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $161 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 $70 and $348 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $138 - $158 in fuel for the 405-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $750 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Portland, Maine. 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 $965 and $1,862.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $888 - $1,550
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $991 - $1,862
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,306
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $80 - $161 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about five hours typically runs $750.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Philadelphia to Portland. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Portland, ME
Philadelphia and Portland land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Philadelphia and 112 in Portland, and rent tracks closely too ($1,695/mo vs. $1,991/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (75 vs 62) and safety scores (33.91 vs 67.84) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Maine, 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. Pennsylvania alone has 106 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 405-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 405-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Portland, ME, costs between $1,118 and $7,321 with full-service movers, $910 - $2,972 with a moving container, and $387 - $980 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 $1,870 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Portland, ME
What is the best time of year to move from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME?
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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME?
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.
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 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 75 and 67 in Philadelphia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
