($740+) Portland, ME to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Portland, ME, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $711 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,262 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,081 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,385, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,262 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,316 - $4,335, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $711 - $2,096.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, ME, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,058 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Portland to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,058 - $6,909 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,081-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,081-mile route from Portland to Chicago, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,385 - $5,937 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,316 - $2,385), rental truck ($711 - $1,462), or freight trailer ($1,117 - $2,083). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,058 - $6,909 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,262.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Portland, Maine, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $2,385 and $9,262. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,081-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $329 - $2,192, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Portland and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Portland tend to start around $382 plus $135/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,385 - $5,937
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,058 - $6,909
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,981 - $9,262
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Portland to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maine to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 78% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $548 - $5,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $219 - $1,315/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $329 - $2,630 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,096 - $3,288 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,740 - $10,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $821 - $1,560 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $1,096 - $2,740 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $877 - $3,836 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling89% of local movers | $329 - $1,644 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect78% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine | $712 - $2,192 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $329 - $16,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $329 - $3,836+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Portland, ME. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Portland, Maine, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,316 and $4,335. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Portland runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,316 - $2,385
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,662 - $3,318
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,267 - $4,335
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $82 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $164 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $767 in Portland, ME, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maine to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,316. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,662 - $3,318, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Portland to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Portland:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Tiny Tim's Moving (4.3/5), 33 years in business
- Integrity Movers, 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,081-mile move from Portland, Maine, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $711 and $2,096. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $377 - $431
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Portland to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $711 - $1,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $784 - $1,573
- 4+ bedrooms: $945 - $2,096
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $711 - $2,096 does not include fuel ($377 - $431) , lodging ($164/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Portland to Chicago typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $377 - $431 for the 1,081-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Portland, Maine, for about 5 hours typically costs around $767.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,081-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $164 per night, adding $329 - $493 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $329.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Maine, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,330 and $2,474.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,117 - $2,083
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,330 - $2,474
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $3,434
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Portland, Maine, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $767.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $82 - $164 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Dubois Livestock (3.96/5 stars): Dubois Livestock is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Portland to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Portland, ME vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Portland. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 112 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 62/100 and 67.84/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Portland, ME guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maine to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Maine alone has 15 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,081-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Portland, ME, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,385 - $9,262 on the 1,081-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,316 - $4,335 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $711 - $2,096 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,058 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, ME, to Chicago, IL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($377 - $431), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $164/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $784 - $1,573. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
