Highly rated local moving companies for Chicago to Portland moves
Organizing a move from Chicago to Portland can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 68 local movers in Chicago known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Chicago to Portland.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Portland?
On average, moving companies in Illinois charge about $113 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,213 – $4,904 | $1,237 – $2,829 | $1,157 – $2,187 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,246 – $7,417 | $2,094 – $4,364 | $1,329 – $2,630 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,210 – $10,156 | $2,930 – $5,781 | $1,613 – $3,491 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Portland
When planning a move to Portland from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,213 and $4,904. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,246 and $7,417 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,210 to $10,156.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Portland
When you’re heading from Chicago to Portland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,237 and $2,829. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,094 and $4,364. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,930 to $5,781. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Portland
A moving rental truck from Chicago 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 $1,157 to $2,187. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,329 to $2,630, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Portland costs around $1,613 to $3,491.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Portland
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Portland may only cost $2,456, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,168.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,157–$3,094), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 29% less for singles and 34% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,572 for one person in Portland versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $6,077 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,825 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 9.9% |
- Rent is about 25% less expensive in Portland than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 77% steeper in Portland compared to Chicago.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 20% greater in Portland than in Chicago, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- 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 29% below that of Chicago.
- 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 34% lower compared to Chicago.
- Portland has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 23%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Portland has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Chicago. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 100% more in Oregon than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Portland:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $211.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $66.74 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.11 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $37.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Portland.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Portland.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Portland
| Chicago | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 652,503 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 81 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 92 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 57.37 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 42.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 76% less than Chicago.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Portland and Chicago are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 57.37 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 42.63 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Portland move
- HOA rules: Costs across Chicago 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: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Oregon, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Oregon, 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. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Portland
With your sights set on Bridgetown, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Goose Hollow
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
With your move to Oregon 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 Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, and Oregon Maritime Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor 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 Portland Trailblazers (NBA)Portland Timbers (MLS)Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Portland?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Portland. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Portland?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Portland? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Portland take?
The 2,119-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Portland, , takes six to 17 days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Portland.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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