($714+) Columbia, SC to Portland, ME Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Columbia, SC to Portland, ME

Moving from Columbia, SC, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $666 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,982 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,014 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 $2,101, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,982 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,280 - $4,231, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $666 - $1,999.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,463 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to Portland, ME

There are 3 main ways to move from Columbia 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 $2,463 - $6,151. 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 2 to 8 days for this 1,014-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 1,014-mile route from Columbia to Portland, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,101 - $4,825 $1,280 - $2,156 $666 - $1,343 $1,119 - $2,000
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,463 - $6,151 $1,522 - $2,966 $741 - $1,611 $1,192 - $2,472
4+ bedrooms $3,914 - $7,982 $2,074 - $4,231 $941 - $1,999 $1,744 - $3,122

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Portland, ME

Full-service movers for the 1,014-mile relocation from Columbia, South Carolina, to Portland, Maine, cost between $2,101 and $7,982. 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 $291 - $1,940, 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 Columbia typically charge a base rate around $262 plus $256 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Portland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,101 - $4,825
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,463 - $6,151
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,914 - $7,982

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 Columbia to Portland.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Maine. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Portland, ME

Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Columbia 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$485 - $4,850
Storage in transitNew place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$194 - $1,164/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$291 - $2,328
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers$970 - $2,910
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,425 - $9,700
Car shippingSecond vehicle$727 - $1,380
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$970 - $2,425
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$776 - $3,395
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers$291 - $1,455
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc.$631 - $1,940
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$291 - $14,550+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$291 - $3,395+

What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Portland?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Maine Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Columbia, SC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Portland, ME

Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,280 and $4,231. 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 Columbia adds around $50/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Portland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,280 - $2,156
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,522 - $2,966
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,074 - $4,231

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $73 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $146 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 $679 in Columbia, SC, 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 Portland, ME, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina 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 $1,280. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,522 - $2,966, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Columbia to Portland?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
  • Undergrads Moving (4.8/5)

Moving truck rental costs from Columbia, SC to Portland, ME

Truck rentals from Columbia, South Carolina, to Portland, Maine, range from $666 - $1,999 for the 1,014-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $313 - $358
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbia to Portland based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $666 - $1,343
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $741 - $1,611
  • 4+ bedrooms: $941 - $1,999

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Columbia to Portland starts at $666 - $1,999, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($313 - $358) , overnight lodging ($146/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?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $313 - $358 for the 1,014-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 Columbia, South Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $679.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,014-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $291 - $437 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $291.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Portland?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Columbia, SC to Portland, ME

For larger DIY moves from Columbia, South Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Portland, Maine.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,192 and $2,472.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Portland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,119 - $2,000
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,192 - $2,472
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,744 - $3,122

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?

  • 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 $73 - $146 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $679.

What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Portland?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 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 Columbia to Portland, 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: Columbia, SC 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 Columbia on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Columbia, SC Portland, ME
Cost of living index87112
Average rent$1,447/mo$1,991/mo
Median home value$241,128$452,202
Average income$55,653/yr$76,174/yr
Unemployment rate5.2%5.2%
State income taxUp to 7.0%Up to 5.8%
Walkability score35/10062/100
Safety index48.39/10067.84/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Columbia, SC guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Maine, 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 53 movers licensed in South Carolina, useful context for sizing up this 1,014-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Columbia, SC, to Portland, ME, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,101 - $7,982 on the 1,014-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,280 - $4,231 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $666 - $1,999 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,463 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.

FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Portland, ME

How walkable is Portland?

Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 35 and 35 in Columbia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

How much does it cost to move from Columbia, SC to Portland, ME?

Costs on this route range from around $2,101 to $7,982, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,101 and $7,982, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbia, SC 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.

What do local movers charge in Columbia?

Local movers based in Columbia typically start around $262 as a base rate, plus $256/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 Columbia, SC to Portland, ME 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 percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.