Jersey City, NJ to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Jersey City to Portland typically costs $1,700–$5,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 316 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Jersey City to Portland
Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Portland, ME typically costs $1,700–$5,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 316-mile move from Jersey City to Portland, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,019 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,310 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $940 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 22, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 07, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Jersey City to Portland move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,000 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Jersey City.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $1,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Best Jersey City to Portland movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Jersey City to Portland
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Jersey City to Portland much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 NJ→ME movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 86 New Jersey movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Jersey City to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Jersey City - roughly 43% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,491 for one person in Portland versus $4,397 in Jersey City. For a family of four, it's $6,060 compared with $9,861.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Jersey City | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,306 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,833 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $589,419 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,397 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,861 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.63% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 5.8% |
- When relocating from Jersey City to Portland, expect to find rent about 33% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 8% more affordable in Portland compared to Jersey City.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 15% lower in Portland compared to Jersey City.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Portland, as the cost of living for a single person is 43% lower compared to Jersey City.
- A move to Portland can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than what it costs in Jersey City.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is about 37% lower than in Jersey City. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 17% less in Portland relative to Jersey City. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Maine are 46% below those in New Jersey. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Jersey City and Portland:
| Living Expense | Jersey City | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.73 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.88 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.97 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $80.00 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Jersey City than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jersey City than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Jersey City than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Jersey City than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Jersey City than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Jersey City than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Jersey City than in Portland.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Portland
| Jersey City | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 292,449 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 87 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 68 |
| Crime index | 43.21 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 56.79 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Portland's population is about 77% less than Jersey City.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Jersey City's score of 9.
- Portland is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Jersey City, which has a score of 64 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Jersey City with a score of 32.16 compared to Jersey City's 43.21. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Jersey City with a safety index of 67.84 vs Jersey City's 56.79.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Jersey City it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City to Portland move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Maine’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Portland
Planning your move to The Forest City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Portland.
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
After settling into your new Maine home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Portland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Portland?
Planning your move from Jersey City to Portland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Jersey City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Portland?
Because most people are moving from Jersey City to Portland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Jersey City to Portland take?
The 316-mile journey from Jersey City, NJ to Portland, ME, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Jersey City offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Portland.
Are there special savings available from movers in Jersey City?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 provide savings for AAA members. 8 have discounts for military personnel. 9 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Jersey City?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Jersey City, 143 movers can manage piano relocations. 116 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, New Jersey has 77 piano movers and 60 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
