Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Cincinnatitoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Cincinnati can be as low as $1,692 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,708.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $804 to $1,883. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Cincinnati

Moving from Portland to Cincinnati means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Portland than in Cincinnati, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Portland compares to Cincinnati so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Portland Cincinnati
Average rent cost $1,991 $1,450
Average home value $542,001 $232,735
Average income (per capita) $64,171 $65,682
Cost of living (single person) $2,491 $2,467
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,060 $6,418
Unemployment rate 5.2% 4.9%
Sales tax 5.5% 6.5%
State income tax 5.8% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Cincinnati are 27% lower than in Portland, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Cincinnati.
    Home prices in Cincinnati are 57.1% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Cincinnati is 2.4% higher than in Portland, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, First Student, and Macy's.
  • The cost of living for a single person is the same in Cincinnati and Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Cincinnati, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Cincinnati is 5.9% higher than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 5.77% lower than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Cincinnati, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Cincinnati are 18.18% higher than in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Cincinnati is paying less in state income taxes, which are 39.66% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,971.10 in Cincinnati to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati Portland
Population 309,317 68,408
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 49 62
Bike friendliness score 36 68
Crime Index 48.47 32.16
Safety Index 49.53 67.84
Air Quality Good Good
  • Cincinnati's population is about 352% greater than Portland.
  • Cincinnati's public transportation has a similar score to Portland.
  • Cincinnati is less walkable than Portland with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati has a bike-friendliness score 36 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 48.47 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
  • Cincinnati is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 49.53 vs Portland's 67.84.
  • Air quality in Cincinnati is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Cincinnati move

  • Weather: Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Cincinnati. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Cincinnati

Ready to relocate to "Blue Chip City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Cincinnati.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central Business District
  • Clifton
  • Columbia-Tusculum
  • Oakley
  • Over-The-Rhine

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Hyde Park
  • Mount Adams
  • Mount Lookout
  • Oakley
  • Pleasant Ridge

Things to do in Cincinnati

Now that you've made the move to Ohio, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Cincinnati. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Cincinnati, such as the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Betts House, and Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), or Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Portland to Cincinnati?

The best time to move from Portland to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?

Because most people are moving from Portland to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati take?

The 981-mile move from Portland, ME, to Cincinnati, OH, takes two to seven days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Cincinnati.

Helpful moving resources