($1,133) Cost to Move From Charleston, SC to Portland, ME

1. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
3. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
4. Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Portland

When planning a move to Portland from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,133 and $4,735. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,268 and $5,923 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,108 to $7,599.

Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Portland

When you’re heading from Charleston to Portland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $874 and $1,970. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,492 and $3,157. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,117 to $3,766. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Portland

A moving rental truck from Charleston to Portland is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $665 to $1,289. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $755 to $1,502, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Portland costs around $940 to $1,940.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 20% less expensive in Portland than in Charleston, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• With home prices differing by less than 5% between Portland and Charleston, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Portland and Charleston are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Portland. The cost of living for a single person there is 53% below that of Charleston.
• A move to Portland can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 23% lower compared to Charleston.
• Portland has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 30%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 39% cheaper in Portland compared to Charleston. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 17% less in Maine compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Portland’s population is about 54% less than Charleston.
• Portland’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
• Portland is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
• With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Portland’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 32.16 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Portland is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 67.84 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
• Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Portland are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Maine, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maine, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• East End
• West End
• West Bayside
• Parkside
• Downtown
• Oakdale
• Back Cove
• Valley Street

Best neighborhoods for families

• Deering Center
• East End
• Rosemont
• West End
• Valley Street
• North Deering
• Back Cove
• East Deering
• Oakdale

Things to do in Portland

With your move to Maine complete, you can dive right into experiencing Portland. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.