Des Moines, IA to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Portland typically costs $3,200–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,399 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Portland
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Portland, ME typically costs $3,200–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,399-mile move from Des Moines to Portland, 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
- PODS recently quoted $2,864 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,238 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,045 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 19, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Portland move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,000 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,000 to $2,700, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Portland
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines 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 IA→ME movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa 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 Des Moines to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Portland runs about 32% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Portland versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,060 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.8% |
- Planning a move to Portland? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 73% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Portland are about 182% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 10% higher in Portland compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Portland, as living costs for a single person are 32% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Portland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 38% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is about 12% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 21% less in Portland relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Maine are 32% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Portland:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Portland.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Portland
| Des Moines | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 68 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 90% less than Des Moines.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Portland is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 32.16 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 67.84 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Portland?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Portland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Portland?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Portland take?
The 1,399-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Portland, ME, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines 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 piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
