Portland, ME to Albany, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Albany typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 267 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Albany
Moving from Portland, ME to Albany, NY typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 267-mile move from Portland to Albany, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $1,396 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,288 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $2,215 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 21, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Albany
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,200, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($300–$900) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Albany, NY to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Albany movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Albany
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Portland to Albany, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best ME→NY movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 15 Maine moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Portland - roughly 28% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it's $4,205 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 10.9% |
- If you're heading to Albany from Portland, you'll find that rent is roughly 27% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 48% less in Albany than in Portland.
- Fortunately, the average income in Albany and Portland is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Albany. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 28% lower than in Portland.
- Choosing to move to Albany can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 31% less than in Portland.
- In Albany, the unemployment rate is approximately 37% higher than in Portland, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 45% in Albany over Portland, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 88% higher in New York than in Maine, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Portland and Albany:
| Living Expense | Portland | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities are priced about the same in Portland and Albany.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in Albany.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Albany.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Albany.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Albany.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Albany.
How life is different in Portland vs. Albany
| Portland | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 55 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany's population is about 45% greater than Portland.
- Albany's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Portland's score of 6.
- Albany and Portland are similarly walkable.
- Albany has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Albany's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 10.0 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Albany is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 49.65 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Albany move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: New York doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Albany. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Albany
Now that you've decided to make the move to Smallbany, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Albany.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Center Square
- Hudson Park
- Park South
- Washington Park
- Mansion
- Downtown
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
- Melrose
- North Albany/Shaker Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Center Square
- Helderberg
- Melrose
- Park South
- Hudson Park
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
- Union Street
- Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Things to do in Albany
Once you're settled into your new home in New York, it's time to get out and discover what Albany has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Albany, such as the New York State Museum, USS Slater DE-766, Albany Institute of History & Art, and The Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Albany?
The best time to move from Portland to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Albany?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Portland to Albany, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Portland to Albany take?
Moving from Portland, ME to Albany, NY covers 267 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Portland movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Albany.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Portland?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 9 movers in Portland advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Portland provide antique moving services. State totals show 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
