($1,231) Cost to Move From Madison, WI to Portland, ME

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Cost to hire movers from Madison to Portland

When planning a move to Portland from Madison, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,231 and $5,044. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,713 and $6,341 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,906 to $8,784.

Cost of moving containers from Madison to Portland

When you’re heading from Madison to Portland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $896 and $2,108. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,605 and $3,226. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,154 to $4,447. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Portland

A moving rental truck from Madison 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 $802 to $1,444. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $785 to $1,821, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Madison to Portland costs around $1,091 to $2,094.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 24% more expensive in Portland than in Madison. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 47% steeper in Portland compared to Madison.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Portland and Madison are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Portland, with the cost of living for a single person being 9% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Portland, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 11% higher than in Madison.
• Portland has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 58%. 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 nearly equal in both Portland and Madison (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are 24% less in Maine compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Portland’s population is about 75% less than Madison.
• Portland’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Madison, making them very similar.
• Portland is more walkable than Madison with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
• Both Portland and Madison have similar bike-friendliness scores (66 vs 68), meaning Portland is about as safe for cyclists as Madison. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Portland’s crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 32.16 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
• Portland and Madison have a similar safety level, with scores of 67.84 and 65.43.
• Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Madison 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.