Portland, ME to St. Paul, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to St. Paul typically costs $3,900–$8,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,490 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to St. Paul
Moving from Portland, ME to St. Paul, MN typically costs $3,900–$8,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,490-mile move from Portland to St. Paul, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $8,486 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,757 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $6,715 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 17, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Portland to St. Paul
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,800, but larger homes can run up to $12,400.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Portland.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,000–$2,800) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from St. Paul, MN to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to St. Paul movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to St. Paul
For a stress-free interstate move from Portland to St. Paul, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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→MN movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 15 Maine moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to St. Paul
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - St. Paul runs about 46% higher for singles and -29% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $3,633 in St. Paul versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $4,290 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $278,221 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $63,483 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $3,633 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $4,290 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.88% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 9.85% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 32% lower in St. Paul than in Portland, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 49% lower in St. Paul than in Portland.
- The average income in St. Paul and Portland is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in St. Paul, since the cost of living for a single person is 46% more than in Portland. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- Moving to St. Paul could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 29% less than in Portland.
- St. Paul experiences an unemployment rate that is about 6% lower than that of Portland. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 80% higher in St. Paul than in Portland. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 70% higher in Minnesota compared to Maine. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Portland with St. Paul:
| Living Expense | Portland | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | |
| Gym membership | $65.00 |
How life is different in Portland vs. St. Paul
| Portland | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 303,176 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 64 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 50.86 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 49.14 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- St. Paul's population is about 343% greater than Portland.
- St. Paul's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Portland's score of 6.
- St. Paul and Portland are similarly walkable.
- St. Paul has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- St. Paul's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 50.86 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- St. Paul is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 49.14 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in St. Paul is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to St. Paul move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Minnesota doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches St. Paul smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in St. Paul
Now that you've chosen Pigs Eye as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in St. Paul to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- St. Anthony Park
- Summit Hill
- Summit-University
- Union Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Macalester-Groveland
- Summit Hill
- Highland
- Union Park
- St. Anthony Park
Things to do in St. Paul
After getting comfortable in your new Minnesota home, it's time to see what St. Paul is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, St. Paul offers cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, and James J. Hill House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Minnesota Wild (NHL)St. Paul Saints (MiLB)St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)Minnesota United FC (MLS)Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to St. Paul?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Portland to St. Paul are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Portland are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to St. Paul?
Because spring and fall moves from Portland to St. Paul are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Portland to St. Paul take?
A move of 1,490 miles from Portland, ME to St. Paul, MN generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Portland sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in St. Paul is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Portland offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 9 movers in Portland have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across ME, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
