Real cost ranges, top mover reviews, and a cost of living breakdown for the 848-mile move from Portland, ME to Ohio. Updated 2026.
Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with vetted, top-rated moving companies.
If you're moving from Portland, ME to Ohio, you're looking at roughly 848 miles — far enough that your mover choice matters considerably more than it would on a short in-state job. This is squarely long-haul territory, and the decisions you make upfront about who moves you, how you ship, and when you go will directly affect both your budget and your sanity.
Here's what actually makes this route worth planning carefully: the cost-of-living gap between Portland and Ohio is significant. If money is part of what's driving this move, the numbers work in your favor on the other side. Below I've put together what Maine moving companies hold up well on interstate moves, what you can realistically expect to pay by home size and shipping method, and what everyday life in Ohio looks like compared to what you're used to in Portland.
Out of nine Portland-area movers I track that handle state-to-state moves, these five have the strongest review records for routes like this:
If you want a national carrier in the mix for comparison, SafeShip Moving is one I've found reliable on long-distance routes — worth requesting a quote alongside the Portland-based options.
24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME | (207) 536-3452 4.52 / 5 | 96% positive | 5% negative Yelp (15 reviews) · Google (209 reviews) · BBB: A+
Of 244 reviews analyzed for this Portland franchise, 95.5% are positive — that's a genuinely high bar in this industry. The consistent themes: crews arrive on time, work efficiently, and handle belongings carefully. Communication gets specific praise, which matters more than people realize when coordinating a move that puts your stuff in someone else's hands for days.
The complaint file is small (about 4.5%) but real — damaged items, unhelpful office staff, and final bills higher than quoted. None of those are unusual in this industry, but they're worth asking about directly before you sign. Get your quote in writing and ask how they handle damage claims.
DOT #: 2527384 | 8 years in business Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Credit card accepted.
422 1/2 Fore St, Suite #1, Portland, ME | (207) 890-7475 4.38 / 5 | 68% positive | 31% negative Yelp (57 reviews) · Google (147 reviews) · BBB: B-
Liberty Bell has 16 years in the business and a track record that's legitimately above the Portland average — around 68% positive out of 226 reviews. Customers highlight fast, efficient service, crews that communicate clearly, and pricing that doesn't hide surprises. Several reviews specifically mention movers arriving with updates and keeping clients informed through the process, which is rarer than it should be.
That said, 31% negative is the highest rate on this list and not something to wave off. Complaints involve damaged items, last-minute cancellations, and disputes with management that didn't get resolved cleanly. If you book with Liberty Bell, document your inventory thoroughly and confirm your move a few days out.
DOT #: 1846942 | 16 years in business Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Cash and credit card accepted. Deposit required.
85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME | (207) 591-1000 4.44 / 5 | 71% positive | 25% negative Yelp (16 reviews) · Google (67 reviews) · BBB: A+
Over a century in the moving business. Bisson's longevity is its own credential, and the reviews reflect institutional know-how: 71% positive across 87 reviews, with consistent praise for careful handling, professional crews, and clear communication on timing and pricing.
About 25% of reviewers mention property damage, surprise charges, or poor follow-up on complaints — standard issues in this industry, but worth knowing on a long haul where your belongings are out of your sight for multiple days. Their service menu is one of the most comprehensive in Portland and includes international moves if your relocation has additional legs.
DOT #: 125550 | 105 years in business Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Credit card accepted.
75 Pinetree Industrial Park, Portland, ME | (207) 370-6323 4.34 / 5 | 86% positive | 13% negative Yelp (4 reviews) · BBB: B-
Allen & Coles operates as an agent for North American Van Lines, which gives them access to a national carrier network — a practical advantage on an 848-mile move to Ohio. The numbers back it up: 86% positive across 194 reviews, with customers regularly citing efficient, careful crews and solid communication throughout. On-time arrivals and protective handling come up repeatedly.
The 13% who weren't satisfied mention scheduling confusion, unexpected charges, and slow claims responses. For a cross-state move, I'd push for written delivery windows and a clear explanation of what could trigger extra fees before you commit.
DOT #: 070851 | 38 years in business Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, antiques, crating, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Credit card accepted.
95 Pleasant Hill Rd, Unit I, Scarborough, ME | (207) 233-5545 4.22 / 5 | 80% positive | 18% negative Yelp (44 reviews) · BBB: A+
Integrity Movers rounds out this list with an 80% positive rate across 234 reviews. The recurring themes: polite crews, quick service, and careful handling. Multiple reviewers specifically mention flexibility when plans shift at the last minute — meaningful on a long-distance move with a lot of moving parts.
The 18% negative reviews center on damaged belongings, late arrivals, and charges above the original quote. The criticism that comes up most often is inadequate follow-up when things went wrong. Before booking, ask directly how they handle damage claims and what the filing window looks like.
DOT #: 2333228 Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing. Cash and credit card accepted.
Here's a snapshot of specialty service availability across Portland movers for this route:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 78% |
| Piano moving | 100% |
| Antiques | 67% |
| Art | 56% |
| Fragile-only packing | 67% |
| Small moves | 33% |
Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate. The table below gives you baseline ranges based on the 848-mile Portland-to-Ohio route.
| Move size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,290 – $4,340 | $719 – $1,835 | $526 – $1,054 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,657 – $5,902 | $1,305 – $2,733 | $592 – $1,191 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,371 – $8,331 | $1,825 – $3,399 | $726 – $1,431 |
Estimates based on an 848-mile route from Portland, ME to Ohio using data current as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on shipment weight, services selected, access conditions, fuel prices, and timing. Get multiple quotes for accurate pricing.
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers typically run $1,290 to $4,340. A two- or three-bedroom home lands between $2,657 and $5,902. Moving a larger place — four bedrooms or more — expect $4,371 to $8,331.
Those ranges are intentionally wide. Long-distance pricing swings significantly based on shipment weight, your specific Ohio destination, and how far in advance you book. Get at least three quotes on the same scope of services — it's easy for add-ons to quietly inflate the final number.
Moving containers are worth considering on a route this long, especially if your move-in timeline has any flexibility. You pack and unpack yourself; the container company handles the transport.
For a studio or one-bedroom: $719 to $1,835. Two- to three-bedroom loads: $1,305 to $2,733. Larger homes: $1,825 to $3,399.
The trade-off is that you don't control exactly when the container arrives. If you need to vacate your Portland place before your Ohio place is ready, containers can actually work to your advantage — your stuff stays in storage while you bridge the gap.
Renting a truck gets you the lowest sticker price, but you're also driving 848 miles and handling all the loading yourself. Factor that in honestly before comparing it to a full-service quote.
Studio or one-bedroom: $526 to $1,054. Two to three bedrooms: $592 to $1,191. Four-plus bedrooms: $726 to $1,431. These figures include estimated fuel costs.
Three things move the needle most on a Portland-to-Ohio move:
The financial case for this move is solid. Here's how the two places compare:
| Portland, ME | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $945/mo |
| Average home price | $542,001 | $230,798 |
| Per capita income | $64,171 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 3.5% |
Sources: Portland — World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Ohio — Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
| Portland, ME | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 11,785,935 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-48 | Republican 55-45 |
| Summer high | 79°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 11°F | 20°F |
| Annual rainfall | 49″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 61″ | 28″ |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 20.76 |
Sources: Portland — US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Ohio — Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
Moving to Ohio involves more administrative legwork than most people expect. A few things worth handling in advance:
Ohio tends to get undersold. There's more here than the geography suggests.
Museums
Parks
Sports Teams
Universities
Most Portland-to-Ohio moves take two to seven days, depending on the carrier's schedule and whether your shipment is on a dedicated truck or consolidated with others. Summer adds delays on top of that baseline. If you need your belongings by a specific date, ask about guaranteed delivery windows before you book — and get the answer in writing, not just a verbal assurance over the phone.
Seven movers in the Portland area offer customized crating for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped items — artwork, antiques, electronics. If you have pieces that need special handling, confirm explicitly with the mover that they can accommodate your specific items. Don't assume it's included in the standard quote.
Use a dedicated auto transport company rather than asking your moving company to handle it as an add-on. Look for FMCSA-registered carriers with verifiable insurance and recent customer reviews. Get quotes from at least two or three shippers before committing.
Mostly the economics. Housing is dramatically cheaper, the overall cost of living is lower, and Ohio's job market is tighter than Portland's. For people who want to buy a home or simply stretch their income further without a dramatic career change, the math makes sense.
Three Portland movers accept cash. That said, traceable payment methods give you more protection if something goes wrong — cash is harder to dispute after the fact. Most movers require a deposit at booking with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods before you sign anything.
Check our long-distance movers guide for vetted options that regularly handle routes like this one, or compare quotes from the Portland companies listed above. Either way, don't commit to the first quote you get on a haul this long. A second or third quote frequently saves real money.
Ready to nail down a real number for your move? Use our moving cost calculator to see what Portland to Ohio costs for your specific home size and timeline.
