portland to az

---
title: "Moving from Portland, ME to Arizona: Costs, Movers & What to Expect"
description: "Real cost ranges and top mover picks for a Portland, ME to Arizona move — plus a straight comparison of costs, climate, and daily life on both ends."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Portland to Arizona", "Portland ME to Arizona movers", "Portland to Arizona moving cost", "Maine to Arizona moving companies", "long distance movers Portland Maine", "Portland ME to Arizona cost"]
---

# Moving from Portland, ME to Arizona: Costs, Movers & What to Expect

If you're moving from Portland, ME to Arizona, you already know this isn't a casual relocation. You're looking at roughly 2,670 miles — cross-country by any measure. The upside: housing is cheaper on the other end, winters are dramatically better, and the job market is stronger. The challenge is finding movers who can actually execute a haul this long without turning it into a nightmare.

I looked at 9 Portland-area movers capable of handling interstate work and pulled the top five based on review volume, positive-to-negative ratios, and how they handle problems when things go sideways. Below you'll also find real cost ranges by home size, a cost-of-living breakdown, and the logistics you need to sort out before moving day.

Before you call anyone, use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a baseline estimate for your specific situation.

## Top Portland Movers for a Move to Arizona

Out of 9 [Maine](/movers/maine) movers equipped to handle state-to-state moves, these five had the strongest records for this route:

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.52 / 5
2. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine — 4.38 / 5
3. Bisson Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
4. Allen & Coles Moving Systems — 4.34 / 5
5. Integrity Movers — 4.22 / 5

---

## TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

**24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME 04092 | DOT #: 2527384**
**96% positive | 5% negative**
[Yelp (15 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/two-men-and-a-truck-portland-westbrook-2) | [Google (209 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=TWO+MEN+AND+A+TRUCK+portland+maine&ei=f2wpY_TlEKefptQPqvasqAg) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/westbrook/profile/moving-companies/two-men-and-a-truck-portland-0021-541217)

Of 244 reviews analyzed, 95.5% are positive — that's not a number you see often in this industry. Customers repeatedly cite punctuality, efficiency, and crews who handle belongings with genuine care. Strong office communication gets mentioned regularly too, which matters on a 2,600-mile job where you're not watching your stuff get loaded.

The negative 4.5% involves damaged items, final charges higher than quoted, and a few complaints about unhelpful office staff when something went wrong. Real issues — but rare relative to the volume of praise. In operation for 8 years under this franchise.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes | *Credit card accepted*

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## Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine

**422 1/2 Fore St, Suite #1, Portland, ME 04101 | DOT #: 1846942**
**68% positive | 31% negative**
[Yelp (57 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/liberty-bell-moving-and-storage-portland-6) | [Google (147 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=BBB+Liberty+Bell+Moving+%26+Storage+of+Maine+portland+maine) | [BBB: B-](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/portland/profile/moving-companies/liberty-bell-moving-storage-inc-0021-116146)

Sixteen years in business, and the picture here is genuinely mixed. About 68% of their 226 reviews are positive — better than many regional movers — and fans consistently mention fast crews, fair pricing, and good communication on move day. Multiple reviewers call out on-time arrivals and careful item placement.

That 31% negative rate is harder to set aside. Complaints include damaged belongings, crews arriving hours late or canceling at the last minute, and tense interactions with management when problems weren't resolved satisfactorily. If your move goes well — and odds say it will — Liberty Bell can be solid. But go in with eyes open about the downside. A deposit is required at booking.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes | *Cash and credit card accepted*

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## Bisson Moving & Storage

**85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092 | DOT #: 125550**
**71% positive | 25% negative**
[Yelp (16 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/bisson-moving-and-storage-westbrook) | [Google (67 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=BBB+Bisson+Moving+%26+Storage+85+Eisenhower+Drive+Westbrook) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/westbrook/profile/moving-companies/bisson-transportation-inc-0021-21885)

105 years in operation — not a typo. Bisson has been moving people since before most moving companies existed, and that institutional experience shows up in what customers describe: careful handling, professional crews, and pricing that's generally transparent from the start.

The 25% negative share involves property damage, unexpected charges, and inadequate follow-through on claims. Worth noting: the review sample here is relatively small (87 reviews), so that percentage carries more weight than usual. For moves involving specialty items — pianos, antiques, grandfather clocks, custom crating — Bisson has the depth to handle them.

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes | *Credit card accepted*

---

## Allen & Coles Moving Systems

**75 Pinetree Industrial Park, Portland, ME 04102 | DOT #: 070851**
**86% positive | 13% negative**
[Yelp (4 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/allen-and-coles-moving-systems-hudson?osq=Allen+%26+Coles+Moving+Systems) | [BBB: B-](https://www.bbb.org/us/nh/hudson/profile/moving-companies/allen-coles-moving-systems-0051-15000271)

Allen & Coles operates as a licensed agent for [North American Van Lines](/company/north-american-van-lines), which gives them access to a national network — something that matters on a long corridor like Portland to Arizona. Of 194 reviews, 86% are positive, with customers consistently calling out skilled handling, proactive communication, and efficient execution.

The 13% negative feedback centers on surprise charges, scheduling confusion, and delayed claims resolution. For a 38-year operation with that review volume and positive rate, the track record holds up reasonably well. Worth confirming exactly how the national carrier relationship works for your specific shipment.

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, antiques, crating, storage, fragile-only packing, safes | *Credit card accepted*

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## Integrity Movers

**95 Pleasant Hill Rd, Unit I, Scarborough, ME 04074 | DOT #: 2333228**
**80% positive | 18% negative**
[Yelp (44 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/integrity-movers-scarborough-2?osq=integrity+movers) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/portland/profile/moving-companies/movers-in-portland-maine-0021-541215)

Of 234 reviews, 80% are positive. Customers highlight polite crews, fast execution, and careful handling — with specific mentions of items arriving undamaged and transparent booking. Patience when plans change also comes up, which matters on long-distance jobs where timing shifts happen.

Negative reviews cover damaged furniture, late arrivals, charges above quote, and slow claims resolution. One flag worth raising: Integrity Movers' years in business is listed as 0, which may reflect a newer entity or franchise. Confirm their operational history when you get a quote.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing | *Cash and credit card accepted*

---

## Specialty Services Available from Portland Movers

A quick look at how many of the 9 Portland-area interstate movers offer add-on services:

| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 7 of 9 (78%) |
| Small moves | 3 of 9 (33%) |
| Antiques | 6 of 9 (67%) |
| Art handling | 5 of 9 (56%) |
| Piano moving | 9 of 9 (100%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 6 of 9 (67%) |

Every Portland mover handles pianos. If you need art handling or antiques care, the pool narrows — confirm those services are available before you commit.

## Cost to Move from Portland, ME to Arizona

Here's what the numbers look like across home sizes and service types for a roughly 2,670-mile move.

| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,469 – $5,911 | $1,265 – $3,118 | $1,451 – $2,867 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $4,197 – $8,685 | $2,362 – $5,068 | $1,449 – $3,283 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,508 – $13,323 | $3,191 – $6,574 | $1,986 – $3,828 |

*Estimates based on a 2,670-mile Portland, ME to Arizona move using pricing data as of January 2026. Final costs vary by move size, services added, parking/access conditions, fuel rates, and time of year. Get quotes from at least three companies before deciding.*

### Cost to Hire Movers from Portland to Arizona

For a studio or one-bedroom, you're looking at $1,469 to $5,911 — a wide range that tightens once you get actual quotes based on your inventory. Two- to three-bedroom homes typically run $4,197 to $8,685. A larger four-plus bedroom move falls between $7,508 and $13,323.

The high end of each range reflects full-service packing included, which adds cost but significantly reduces your burden across 2,600 miles. If that trade-off makes sense for you, see our guide to [full-service movers](/best/full-service-movers) for what to look for at this distance.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Portland to Arizona

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) sit between full-service and DIY on both price and effort. You pack on your timeline, and the container company handles transport. Portland to Arizona pricing runs $1,265 to $3,118 for a studio, $2,362 to $5,068 for two to three bedrooms, and $3,191 to $6,574 for larger homes.

The added flexibility — extra packing time, storage options if your Arizona place isn't ready — makes containers worth a serious look on this route.

### Cost of Rental Truck from Portland to Arizona

A [rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the lowest-cost option: $1,451 to $2,867 for a studio, $1,449 to $3,283 for two to three bedrooms, $1,986 to $3,828 for larger households. Those estimates include fuel. What they don't include is the reality of driving close to 2,700 miles yourself.

For most people, the physical toll of a cross-country rental haul erases whatever they saved on paper. That calculation gets harder the more stuff you have.

## Factors That Affect Moving Costs from Portland to AZ

A few variables that move the needle significantly on this route:

- **Move size:** The jump from studio to four-bedroom is roughly $6,000–$10,000 depending on which service type you use.
- **Time of year:** Summer is peak season industry-wide. Booking June through August pushes rates up across every category.
- **Service level:** Full-service movers absorb the labor but cost more. DIY trucks are cheapest upfront but put everything — driving, loading, liability — on you.

## What You Should Know Before Moving from Portland to AZ

### Cost of Living: Portland, ME vs. Arizona

The financial picture between Portland and [Arizona](/movers/arizona) skews in your favor once you arrive. Here's the breakdown:

| | Portland, ME | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,991 | $1,308 |
| Average home price | $542,001 | $428,711 |
| Per capita income | $64,171 | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 2.5% |

*Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo*

What that means practically:

- **Rent** is about 34% lower in Arizona. Real monthly savings, immediately.
- **Home prices** are roughly 21% cheaper, which translates directly to lower mortgage payments if you're buying.
- **Per capita income** runs about 13% higher in Arizona — which makes the lower cost of living hit even better.
- The **cost of living index** is close (107 vs. 112), so you won't need to overhaul your budget. Small adjustments, not a reinvention.
- Arizona's **unemployment rate** is 31% lower than Portland's — a meaningful edge if you're job hunting after the move.
- **State income tax** drops from 5.8% in Maine to 2.5% in Arizona — a 57% difference that shows up in every paycheck.

### How Life Looks Different: Portland, ME vs. Arizona

| | Portland, ME | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 7,431,344 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50–48 | Democrat 56–44 |
| Summer high | 79°F | 99°F |
| Winter low | 11°F | 34°F |
| Annual rainfall | 49" | 12" |
| Annual snowfall | 61" | 6" |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 24.89 |

*Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AirNow*

The contrasts here are not subtle:

- **Summer heat** in Arizona peaks around 99°F — 20 degrees hotter than Portland's summer highs. Air conditioning will be a real budget line item, not an afterthought.
- **Winter** is where Arizona wins decisively. A low of 34°F versus Portland's 11°F is a fundamentally different quality of life from November through March — less snow, lower heating costs, fewer days that feel punishing.
- Arizona gets **12 inches of rain** annually versus Portland's 49. More outdoor time, fewer weather disruptions.
- **Snowfall** drops from 61 inches per year to about 6. If you're tired of shoveling, that alone is worth something.
- Arizona's **crime index** (24.89) is lower than Portland's (32.16), which is worth noting even if both sit in the mid-range nationally.
- The **population scale** is a real adjustment: Portland has roughly 68,000 residents; Arizona has 7.4 million statewide and is one of the fastest-growing states in the country.

### Other Considerations Before You Move

A few practical items that tend to get overlooked until the last minute:

- **HOA rules:** Many Arizona neighborhoods have associations with specific move-in day restrictions. Verify before you schedule anything.
- **Elevator reservations:** If you're moving into a multi-story building, reserve the service elevator in advance — most require it and book up fast.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some Arizona cities require permits for moving trucks parked on city streets. Check ahead for your specific destination.
- **State licensing:** Arizona isn't heavily regulated on movers, but companies are subject to Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures rules. Verify any mover's license before you hire.
- **Moving permits:** Arizona doesn't require a moving permit, but sort out parking logistics at your destination early anyway.
- **Change of address:** File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date so mail forwards without a gap. You can set your exact start date so nothing slips through.
- **Moving insurance:** Released Value Protection is the free baseline — but it only pays 60 cents per pound per item. Lose a 25-pound TV and you collect $15. For anything valuable, ask about Full Value Protection or consider a third-party policy.
- **Moving checklist:** Use our [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to make sure the logistics are covered before moving day arrives.

### Things to Do in Arizona

Once you're settled, Arizona gives you a lot to work with.

**Museums**
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park

**Parks**
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park

**Sports Teams**
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Phoenix Suns (NBA)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Arizona Rattlers (IFL)

**Universities**
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College

## FAQ

### How long does a move from Portland to Arizona take?

Plan for seven to 21 days depending on the company and service type. Summer moves tend to run toward the longer end of that window. Ask any mover about their specific delivery timeframe before booking — and get it in writing.

### Can I find movers in Portland that build custom crates?

Yes. Seven of the nine Portland-area interstate movers offer custom crating — useful for artwork, antiques, or anything fragile that needs more than blanket wrapping. Ask specifically about crate construction, padding materials, and lead times when you get quotes.

### What's the best way to get a car from Portland to Arizona?

For a move this long, shipping your car typically makes more sense than adding it to a trailer or making a separate drive. Check out our [car shipping guide](/best/car-shipping) to compare carriers handling this route.

### Why are people moving from Portland to Arizona?

The combination of lower housing costs, significantly lower state income taxes, a stronger job market, and dramatically better winters covers most of the reasons. Arizona has been one of the fastest-growing states for years.

### Where can I find long-distance movers in Portland?

Start with the list above. For a broader look at who handles cross-country hauls consistently well, see our [long-distance movers guide](/best/long-distance-movers).

### Can I pay for a Portland to Arizona move with cash?

Three Portland movers accept cash. That said, cash is the exception in this industry — most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check for traceability. Expect to put down a deposit at booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery depending on the company's policy. Confirm both the payment method and timing before you sign.

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Compare quotes from at least three companies before committing to any one mover for a route this long. Use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to see where your move falls before the calls start.