Portland, ME to Boise, ID Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Boise typically costs $4,900–$10,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,758 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Portland to Boise
Moving from Portland, ME to Boise, ID typically costs $4,900–$10,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,758-mile move from Portland to Boise, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $13,407 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $5,542 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,917 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Mar 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Mar 01, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 15, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Boise move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $3,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $16,000 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Portland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,800 to $4,800, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Boise, ID to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Boise movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Portland to Boise
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Portland to Boise much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 ME→ID movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 15 Maine movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Boise
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Boise runs about 65% higher for singles and 12% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $4,100 in Boise versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $6,810 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,579 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,475 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $481,661 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $76,468 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $4,100 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 5.8% |
- When relocating from Portland to Boise, expect to find rent about 25% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 11% more affordable in Boise compared to Portland.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 19% higher in Boise compared to Portland, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Boise, as living costs for a single person are 65% higher than in Portland. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Boise, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boise is 12% higher than in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Boise is about 31% lower than in Portland. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Boise are 9% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Idaho and Maine, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Boise:
| Living Expense | Portland | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $136.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $49.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.88 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $39.83 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Boise.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Boise.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Boise.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Boise.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Boise.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Boise.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Boise.
How life is different in Portland vs. Boise
| Portland | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 235,684 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 99 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 34.99 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 65.01 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boise's population is about 245% greater than Portland.
- Boise's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Portland's score of 6.
- Boise is more walkable than Portland with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, Boise is more bike-friendly than Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boise's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 34.99 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Boise neighborhoods are safer than 34.99% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Boise and Portland have a similar safety level, with scores of 65.01 and 67.84.
- Air quality in Boise is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Boise move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In Idaho, in-state movers are regulated by and must register with the Idaho Transportation Department. In cases of unresolvable disputes with local movers, they may help. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Idaho’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Idaho does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boise. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection for minimal coverage, provided by movers at no extra charge. With liability capped at 60 cents per pound per article, consider alternative coverage options from your selected moving company or explore third-party insurance for full value protection.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Boise
Planning your move to City of Trees? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Boise.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Bench
- Downtown Boise
- East End
- North End
- Southeast Boise
Best neighborhoods for families
- Collister
- Depot Bench
- North End
- Southwest Ada
- West Valley
Things to do in Boise
After settling into your new Idaho home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boise has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Boise features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Idaho State Museum, Boise Art Glass, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, and Discovery Center of Idaho.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Camel's Back Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, Julia Davis Park, and Barber Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Boise Hawks (Pioneer League)Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Boise?
Planning your move from Portland to Boise? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Boise?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Boise in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Portland to Boise take?
The 2,758-mile journey from Portland, ME to Boise, ID, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Portland offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Boise.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Portland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Portland, 9 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maine has 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
