Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Portland typically costs $2,400–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 536 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Portland
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME typically costs $2,400–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 536-mile move from Washington DC 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
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,917 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,121 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,613 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 06, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 18, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 01, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Washington DC to Portland
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,200.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($500–$1,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Portland movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Portland
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Washington DC 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 MD→ME movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 51 Maryland 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 Washington DC to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 37% less for singles and 45% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,491 for one person in Portland versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $6,060 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.8% |
- If you're heading to Portland from Washington DC, you'll find that rent is roughly 17% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 9% less in Portland than in Washington DC.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 37% lower in Portland compared to Washington DC.
- 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 37% lower than in Washington DC.
- 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 45% less than in Washington DC.
- Portland enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 26% lower compared to Washington DC, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 8% in Portland compared to Washington DC, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are on par between Maine and Maryland, within a 5% range, providing a predictable deduction from your income as you change locations.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Washington DC and Portland:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Portland.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Portland.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Portland
| Washington DC | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 68 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 90% less than Washington DC.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Portland is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Both Portland and Washington DC have similar bike-friendliness scores (70 vs 68), meaning Portland is about as safe for cyclists as Washington DC. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 32.16 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 67.84 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Portland?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Portland is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Portland?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Portland take?
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Portland, ME covers 536 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
Which movers in Washington DC give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 7 movers give special rates to military members. 14 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 Washington DC?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 59 movers in Washington DC advertise piano moving expertise. 44 movers in Washington DC provide antique moving services. State totals show 37 piano movers and 30 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.
