($1,193) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Portland, ME

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2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

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 $1,193 and $4,559. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,335 and $6,079 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,881 to $7,755.

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 $892 and $2,052. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,492 and $3,039. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,015 to $4,088. 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 $726 to $1,287. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $777 to $1,562, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Portland costs around $929 to $1,825.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Portland from Chicago with rent being about the same in each state.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 83% steeper in Portland compared to Chicago.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 10% less in Portland than in Chicago.
• 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 32% 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 35% lower compared to Chicago.
• Portland has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 42%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 46% cheaper in Portland compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 17% more in Maine than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Portland’s population is about 98% less than Chicago.
• Portland’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Portland is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Portland’s crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 32.16 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% 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 67.84 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• 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: 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.