The best local movers for Portland to Boston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Portland that also handles long-distance moves to Boston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 21 local movers in Portland who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Portland to Boston.
- PDX Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- All Service Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- ANC Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- You Move Me: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2353055
Pricing: $255/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2353055
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1863079
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1863079
Alternate Names: ASM LLC , All Service Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 217157
Pricing: $216/hr
Years in Business: 16
Alternate Names: 2Brothers Services Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
Company Info
State license #: MEF181016
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2877082
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 14401
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: 0955821 BC Ltd.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Boston?
The average hourly rate for movers in Oregon is $171. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,572 – $6,562 | $1,422 – $3,548 | $1,584 – $3,011 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,596 – $9,517 | $2,650 – $5,228 | $1,804 – $3,736 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,369 – $14,746 | $3,518 – $7,371 | $2,147 – $4,496 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Boston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to Boston will cost between $1,572 and $6,562. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Portland to Portland will range from $4,596 to $9,517, and a large move from Portland to Boston will cost from $9,369 to $14,746.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Boston
If you’re moving from Portland to Boston, expect to pay between $1,422 and $3,548 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,650 up to $5,228. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,518 and $7,371. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Oregon.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Boston
Renting a moving truck from Portland to Boston is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,584 and $3,011. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,804 and $3,736. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,147 up to $4,496 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Boston
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $3,170, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $14,326.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,584–$4,185) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Portland to Boston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Boston runs about 87% higher for singles and 86% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $4,820 in Portland versus $2,572 in Portland; families pay $11,304 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,825 | $3,361 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $5,973 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $89,212 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $4,820 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $11,304 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 9.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 122% higher in Boston compared to Portland; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 41% greater in Boston than in Portland.
- Fortunately, the average income in Boston and Portland is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 87% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Boston, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 86% greater than in Portland.
- Boston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 10% lower compared to Portland, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Boston has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 9% less in Massachusetts than in Oregon. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Portland and Boston:
| Living Expense | Portland | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.77 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $4.07 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $77.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Boston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Boston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Boston.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Boston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Portland than in Boston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Portland than in Boston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Boston.
How life is different in Portland vs. Boston
| Portland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 675,647 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 86 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 39.88 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 60.12 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boston’s population is within about 5% of Portland, so they’re very similar in size.
- Boston’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland’s score of 8.
- Boston is more walkable than Portland with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Portland’s 81 out of 100.
- Boston has a bike-friendliness score of 86 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
- Boston’s crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 39.88 compared to Portland’s 57.37. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Boston is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 60.12 vs Portland’s 42.63.
- Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Boston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Massachusetts doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Boston
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Athens of America, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
Once you’re settled into your new home in Massachusetts, it’s time to get out and discover what Boston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Boston?
The best time to move from Portland to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Boston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Portland to Boston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Portland to Boston take?
Moving from Portland, OR to Boston, covers 3,087 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Portland movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Boston.
Which movers in Portland give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Portland?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 16 movers in Portland advertise piano moving expertise. 10 movers in Portland provide antique moving services. State totals show 28 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Portland moving services
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