Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago to Portland ranges from $927 to $7,031 and the journey will take approximately two to eight days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,081-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Portland to Chicago guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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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 Chicago to Portland
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Chicago to Portland can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to ME move
Local moving companies in Chicago
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Portland?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,467 - $6,000 | $1,096 - $2,493 | $892 - $1,596 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,988 - $7,031 | $1,850 - $3,998 | $927 - $1,899 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,374 - $9,523 | $2,447 - $4,821 | $1,116 - $2,477 |
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Maine
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Maine typically costs between $1,467 and $6,000. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,988 and $7,031 when moving from IL to ME. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Illinois to Maine, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,374 up to $9,523.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Maine
Moving containers from Illinois to Maine will cost you $1,096 to $2,493 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,850 to $3,998. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,447 to $4,821. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Maine
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $892 and $1,596. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $927 to $1,899. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,116 and $2,477.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Portland
What to know before moving from Chicago to Portland
Moving from Chicago to Portland means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Portland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Portland so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,991 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.8% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 3% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Portland are 83.3% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Portland is 10.3% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland — including TD Banknorth Inc, Maine Medical Center, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Portland. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 31.7% lower than in Chicago.
- 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 34.6% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 42.22% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the city's sales taxes in Portland are 46.34% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Portland are 17.17% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,048.52 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Portland
| Portland | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 32.16 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 67.84 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 98% less than Chicago.
- Portland's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Portland is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Portland has a bike-friendliness score 68 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Portland and Chicago have a similar crime rate.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 67.84 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Portland is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Portland move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Maine, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you've decided to make the move to Forest City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Back Cove
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- Rosemont
- Valley Street
- Back Cove
- East Deering
Things to do in Portland
Once you're settled into your new home in Maine, it's time to get out and discover what Portland has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Portland, such as the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and Richard Boyd Art Gallery.
- 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League) and Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Portland?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Portland You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Portland?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Portland 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 Chicago to Portland take?
The 1,081-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Chicago 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.
