Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Minneapolis typically costs $3,800–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,497 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Minneapolis
Moving from Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN typically costs $3,800–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,497-mile move from Portland to Minneapolis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $8,016 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,678 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $7,252 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 27, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 15, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Minneapolis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,000–$2,900) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Minneapolis, MN to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Minneapolis movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Minneapolis
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Portland to Minneapolis, 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→MN 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 Minneapolis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Minneapolis runs about 57% higher for singles and -22% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $3,900 in Minneapolis versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $4,710 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,707 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $312,602 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $70,099 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $3,900 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $4,710 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.03% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 9.85% |
- If you're heading to Minneapolis from Portland, you'll find that rent is roughly 25% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 42% less in Minneapolis than in Portland.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 9% higher in Minneapolis than in Portland, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Minneapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 57% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Minneapolis can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 22% less than in Portland.
- Minneapolis enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 13% lower compared to Portland, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 64% in Minneapolis over Portland, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 70% higher in Minnesota 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 Minneapolis:
| Living Expense | Portland | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $164.65 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $50.68 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.15 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $55.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Minneapolis.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Minneapolis.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Minneapolis.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Minneapolis.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Minneapolis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Minneapolis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Minneapolis.
How life is different in Portland vs. Minneapolis
| Portland | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 425,115 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 83 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 56.06 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 43.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Minneapolis's population is about 521% greater than Portland.
- Minneapolis's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Portland's score of 6.
- Minneapolis is more walkable than Portland with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis 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.
- Minneapolis's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 56.06 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Minneapolis is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 43.94 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Minneapolis is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Minneapolis 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Minnesota 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 Minneapolis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives 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 Minneapolis
Now that you've decided to make the move to City of Lakes, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Minneapolis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Linden Hills
- Loring Park
- Northeast Minneapolis
- North Loop (Warehouse District)
- Uptown
- Whittier
Best neighborhoods for families
- Diamond Lake
- Fulton
- Kenny
- Linden Hills
- Minnehaha
Things to do in Minneapolis
Once you're settled into your new home in Minnesota, it's time to get out and discover what Minneapolis has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Minneapolis, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, and The Museum of Russian Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal 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 Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)Minnesota Twins (MLB)Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Minneapolis?
The best time to move from Portland to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Portland to Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis take?
Moving from Portland, ME to Minneapolis, MN covers 1,497 miles and usually takes three to eight 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 Minneapolis.
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 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
