Portland, ME to Jersey City, NJ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Jersey City typically costs $2,000–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 316 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Jersey City
Moving from Portland, ME to Jersey City, NJ typically costs $2,000–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 316-mile move from Portland to Jersey City, 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
- PODS recently quoted $1,400 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $526 for a 5+ bedroom using a rental truck.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,762 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 24, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Jersey City move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,700 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 $400 to $900, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Jersey City, NJ to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Jersey City movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Jersey City
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Portland to Jersey City 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→NJ 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 Jersey City
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Jersey City runs about 77% higher for singles and 63% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $4,397 in Jersey City versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $9,861 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $3,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $5,833 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $589,419 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $75,265 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $4,397 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $9,861 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 8.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.63% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 10.7% |
- Planning a move to Jersey City? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 49% higher than in Portland, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Jersey City are about 9% higher than those in Portland.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 17% higher in Jersey City compared to Portland, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Jersey City, as living costs for a single person are 77% higher than in Portland. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Jersey City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jersey City is 63% higher than in Portland.
- Jersey City shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Portland by around 60%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Jersey City are 21% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in New Jersey are 84% above those in Maine. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Jersey City:
| Living Expense | Portland | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $118.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $3.97 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $80.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Jersey City.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Jersey City.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Jersey City.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Jersey City.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Jersey City.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Jersey City.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Jersey City.
How life is different in Portland vs. Jersey City
| Portland | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 292,449 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 87 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 64 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 43.21 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 56.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Jersey City's population is about 328% greater than Portland.
- Jersey City's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland's score of 6.
- Jersey City is more walkable than Portland with a score of 87 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Jersey City has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Jersey City's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 43.21 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Jersey City is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 56.79 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Jersey City is Moderate, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Jersey City 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 New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New Jersey’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New Jersey 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 Jersey City. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Jersey City
Planning your move to J.C.? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Jersey City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Journal Square
- Mcginley Square
- The Heights
- The Waterfront
- Liberty Park
- Downtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenville
- Mcginley Square
- West Side
- Hackensack Waterfront
- Grove Street
- Downtown
Things to do in Jersey City
After settling into your new New Jersey home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jersey City has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Jersey City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Liberty Science Center, Mana Contemporary, 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, and Novado Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Liberty State Park, Liberty Landing Marina, J. Owen Grundy Park, and Lincoln 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 Saint Peter’s Peacocks (MAAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Jersey City?
Planning your move from Portland to Jersey City? 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 Jersey City?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Jersey City 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 Jersey City take?
The 316-mile journey from Portland, ME to Jersey City, NJ, typically takes one to four 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 Jersey City.
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 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
