Portland, ME to Boston, MA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Boston typically costs $1,400–$3,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 106 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Boston
Moving from Portland, ME to Boston, MA typically costs $1,400–$3,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 106-mile move from Portland to Boston, 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 $1,689 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,700 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $1,223 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 11, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 09, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Boston
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,900.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, 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 Boston, MA to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Boston movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Boston
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Portland to Boston, 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 ME→MA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 15 Maine 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 Portland to Boston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Boston runs about 93% higher for singles and 87% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $4,820 in Boston versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $11,304 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $3,361 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $5,973 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $89,212 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $4,820 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $11,304 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 9.0% |
- 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Portland and Boston:
| Living Expense | Portland | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $4.07 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $77.50 |
- Basic utilities are priced about the same in Portland and Boston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in Boston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Boston.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Boston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Portland than in Boston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Boston.
How life is different in Portland vs. Boston
| Portland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 675,647 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 86 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 39.88 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 60.12 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- 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.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Boston 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 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.
Where to live in Boston
Now that you've decided to make the move to Athens of America, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Boston?
The best time to move from Portland to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Boston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Portland to Boston, 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 Portland to Boston take?
Moving from Portland, ME to Boston, MA covers 106 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Portland movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Boston.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Portland?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 9 movers in Portland advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Portland provide antique moving services. State totals show 13 piano movers and 7 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.
