Chicago, IL to Portland, OR Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Portland typically costs $3,600–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,119 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Portland
Moving from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR typically costs $3,600–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,119-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
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,431 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,461 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,433 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 24, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 30, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 15, 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 $2,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,000.
- 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 ($1,400–$3,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Portland movers by type
Professional
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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 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→OR 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 29% less for singles and 34% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,572 for one person in Portland versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $6,077 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,825 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 9.9% |
- Rent is about 25% less expensive in Portland than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 77% steeper in Portland compared to Chicago.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 20% greater in Portland than in Chicago, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- 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 29% 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 34% lower compared to Chicago.
- Portland has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 23%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Portland has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Chicago. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 100% more in Oregon 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 | $211.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $66.74 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.11 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $37.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Portland.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier 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 | 652,503 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 81 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 92 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 57.37 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 42.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 76% less than Chicago.
- Portland's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Portland and Chicago are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 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 Chicago with a score of 57.37 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37% 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 42.63 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: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Oregon, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Oregon, 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. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- 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 Bridgetown, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Goose Hollow
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
With your move to Oregon 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 Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, and Oregon Maritime Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor 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 Portland Trailblazers (NBA)Portland Timbers (MLS)Portland Thorns (NWSL) 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 2,119-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Portland, OR, takes six to 17 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.
