Boston, MA to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Boston to Portland typically costs $1,200–$3,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 107 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Boston to Portland
Moving from Boston, MA to Portland, ME typically costs $1,200–$3,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 107-mile move from Boston 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
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $1,869 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $1,712 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,295 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Portland
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($100–$200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Boston, MA guide.
Best Boston to Portland movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Boston to Portland
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Boston to Portland, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 MA→ME movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 107 Massachusetts moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Boston to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Boston - roughly 48% less for singles and 46% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,491 for one person in Portland versus $4,820 in Boston. For a family of four, it's $6,060 compared with $11,304.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Boston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 5.8% |
- If you're heading to Portland from Boston, you'll find that rent is roughly 41% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 27% less in Portland than in Boston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 28% lower in Portland compared to Boston.
- 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 48% lower than in Boston.
- Choosing to move to Portland can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 46% less than in Boston.
- Portland enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 16% lower compared to Boston, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 12% in Portland compared to Boston, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 36% less in Maine than in Massachusetts. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Boston and Portland:
| Living Expense | Boston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities are priced about the same in Boston and Portland.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Boston than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Boston than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Boston than in Portland.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Portland.
How life is different in Boston vs. Portland
| Boston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 68 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 90% less than Boston.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Boston's score of 9.
- Portland is less walkable than Boston with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 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 Boston, which has a score of 86.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Boston with a score of 32.16 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Boston with a safety index of 67.84 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Boston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Boston to Portland move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Maine doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you've decided to make the move to The Forest City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
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, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Portland?
The best time to move from Boston to Portland is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Portland?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to Portland, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to Portland take?
Moving from Boston, MA to Portland, ME covers 107 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Boston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
Which movers in Boston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Boston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 86 movers in Boston advertise piano moving expertise. 57 movers in Boston provide antique moving services. State totals show 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
