The best local movers for Boston to Portland moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Boston that also handles long-distance moves to Portland. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 96 local movers in Boston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Boston to Portland.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 30293
Pricing: $199/hr
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 782104
Alternate Names: Michael’s Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2820253
Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Portland?
The average hourly rate for movers in Massachusetts is $126. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,353 – $6,000 | $1,495 – $3,475 | $1,568 – $3,075 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,955 – $8,025 | $2,546 – $5,609 | $1,786 – $3,661 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,147 – $12,434 | $3,590 – $7,817 | $2,214 – $4,727 |
Cost to hire movers from Boston to Portland
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Portland will cost between $1,353 and $6,000. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Boston to Boston will range from $3,955 to $8,025, and a large move from Boston to Portland will cost from $8,147 to $12,434.
Cost of moving containers from Boston to Portland
If you’re moving from Boston to Portland, expect to pay between $1,495 and $3,475 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,546 up to $5,609. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,590 and $7,817. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Portland
Renting a moving truck from Boston to Portland is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,568 and $3,075. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,786 and $3,661. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,214 up to $4,727 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Portland
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,873, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,218.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,568–$4,352) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Boston to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Boston – roughly 47% less for singles and 46% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,572 for one person in Portland versus $4,820 in Boston. For a family of four, it’s $6,077 compared with $11,304.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Boston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $1,825 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 9.9% |
- If you’re heading to Portland from Boston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 55% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 29% less in Portland than in Boston.
- Fortunately, the average income in Portland and Boston is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- 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 47% 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.
- In Portland, the unemployment rate is approximately 11% higher than in Boston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Portland has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Boston. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 10% higher in Oregon than in Massachusetts, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
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 | $211.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $66.74 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $4.11 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $37.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Boston than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Boston than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Boston than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Boston than in Portland.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Boston than in Portland.
- 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 | 652,503 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 81 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 92 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 57.37 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 42.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is within about 5% of Boston, so they’re very similar in size.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
- Portland is less walkable than Boston with a score of 81 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 out of 100.
- With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Boston, which has a score of 86 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 Boston with a score of 57.37 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Portland is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 42.63 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: 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). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Oregon 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. 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: 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 Bridgetown, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Oregon, 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 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 — 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 Portland Trailblazers (NBA)Portland Timbers (MLS)Portland Thorns (NWSL) 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, covers 3,086 miles and usually takes seven to 21 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 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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