Chicago, IL to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Portland typically costs $3,000–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,082 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Chicago to Portland
Moving from Chicago, IL to Portland, ME typically costs $3,000–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,082-mile move from Chicago 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
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,306 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $6,340 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,546 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Portland
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Portland may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,400.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Portland movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Chicago to Portland
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chicago to Portland. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 IL→ME movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Illinois moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 32% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,491 for one person in Portland versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $6,060 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.8% |
- Your budget won't be hit too hard when you move to Portland from Chicago with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 83% steeper in Portland compared to Chicago.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 10% less in Portland than in Chicago.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Portland. The cost of living for a single person there is 32% below that of Chicago.
- A move to Portland can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 35% lower compared to Chicago.
- Portland has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 42%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 46% cheaper in Portland compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 17% more in Maine than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Portland:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Portland.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Chicago than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Portland.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Portland
| Chicago | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 68 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 98% less than Chicago.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's 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 of 68 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 32.16 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- 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 to Portland move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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: To confirm a moving company's license in Maine, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maine, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
With your sights set on The Forest City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Maine complete, you can dive right into experiencing Portland. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Portland?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Portland. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Portland?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Portland? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Portland take?
The 1,082-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Portland, ME, takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Portland.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
