($599) Cost to Move From Portland, ME to Boston, MA

1. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
5. Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Portland to Boston

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to Boston will cost between $599 and $2,475. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Portland to Portland will range from $1,170 to $3,572, and a large move from Portland to Boston will cost from $1,640 to $4,416.

Cost of moving containers from Portland to Boston

If you’re moving from Portland to Boston, expect to pay between $479 and $1,074 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $835 up to $1,476. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,111 and $1,884. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Maine.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Boston

Renting a moving truck from Portland to Boston 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 $106 and $161. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $111 and $178. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $121 up to $194 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent is estimated to be 71% higher in Boston compared to Portland; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
• Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 36% greater in Boston than in Portland.
• Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 39% higher in Boston than in Portland, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 93% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• When relocating to Boston, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 87% greater than in Portland.
• In Boston, the unemployment rate is approximately 19% higher than in Portland, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
• Sales taxes rise by 14% in Boston over Portland, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
• Income taxes are 55% higher in Massachusetts than in Maine, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Boston’s population is about 888% greater than Portland.
• Boston’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland’s score of 6.
• Boston is more walkable than Portland with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
• With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston 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.
• Boston’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 39.88 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• Boston is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 60.12 vs Portland’s 67.84.
• Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.

• 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 in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Massachusetts 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 Boston. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Allston-Brighton
• Back Bay-Beacon Hill
• East Boston
• Jamaica Plain
• South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

• Charlestown
• East Boston
• Hyde Park
• Roslindale
• West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

Once you’re settled into your new home in Massachusetts, it’s time to get out and discover what Boston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — 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 Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.