Portland, ME to Wilmington, DE Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Wilmington typically costs $2,300–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 435 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Wilmington
Moving from Portland, ME to Wilmington, DE typically costs $2,300–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 435-mile move from Portland to Wilmington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,485 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,863 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,445 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 30, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Portland to Wilmington
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Portland to Wilmington might be as low as $1,400, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,500.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Portland.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $400 to $1,100 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Wilmington, DE to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Wilmington movers by type
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Best professional movers from Portland to Wilmington
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Portland to Wilmington, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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→DE movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 15 Maine movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Wilmington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Wilmington runs about 42% higher for singles and -28% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $3,533 in Wilmington versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $4,350 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 6.6% |
- Good news! When moving to Wilmington from Portland, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 9% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 43% cheaper in Wilmington, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 23% lower in Wilmington than in Portland.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Wilmington, as the cost of living for a single person in Wilmington is 42% greater than in Portland. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Wilmington could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 28% lower than in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Wilmington exceeds that of Portland by about 98%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Portland. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 14% higher in Delaware than in Maine. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Portland and Wilmington, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Portland | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Wilmington.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Portland vs. Wilmington
| Portland | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 52 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Wilmington's population is within about 5% of Portland, so they’re very similar in size.
- Wilmington's public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
- Wilmington is more walkable than Portland with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Wilmington has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Wilmington's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 67.32 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 32.68 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Wilmington move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Delaware moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Delaware, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Wilmington without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you're concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you've chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Wilmington
Ready to relocate to Chemical Capital of the World? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
Now that you've made the move to Delaware, it's the perfect time to explore Wilmington. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Wilmington include museums and art centers like the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children's Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Wilmington?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Portland to Wilmington. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Wilmington?
With many people choosing to move from Portland to Wilmington in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Portland to Wilmington take?
Covering 435 miles, the move from Portland, ME to Wilmington, DE typically takes one to four days. Some Portland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Wilmington can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Portland can handle specialty items for my move to Wilmington?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Portland, 9 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of ME, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
