Portland, ME to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Philadelphia typically costs $2,400–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 405 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Portland to Philadelphia

Moving from Portland, ME to Philadelphia, PA typically costs $2,400–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 405-mile move from Portland to Philadelphia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,300 - $4,800
  • Moving Container $1,000 - $1,700
  • Rental Truck $400 - $800
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,400 - $6,600
  • Moving Container $1,300 - $2,500
  • Rental Truck $400 - $900
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,700 - $8,800
  • Moving Container $1,700 - $3,300
  • Rental Truck $500 - $1,100

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • AB Moving recently quoted $2,177 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
  • BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,915 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
  • North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,674 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
AB Moving
Gorham, ME Dublin, PA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Mar 05, 2026
BLVD Moving
Portland, ME Lansdowne, PA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 16, 2026
North American Van Lines
Bath, ME Swarthmore, PA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 14, 2026
Mayflower Transit
Auburn, ME Hatboro, PA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Jan 30, 2026
Budget Truck Rental
York, ME Roslyn, PA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 28, 2026
American Van Lines
Scarborough, ME Collingdale, PA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 11, 2026
Safeway Moving
Saco, ME West Chester, PA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 11, 2026
Colonial Van Lines
South Portland, ME Hatfield, PA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 22, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Westbrook, ME Lower Moreland, PA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 14, 2025
United Van Lines
Standish, ME Rose Valley, PA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 13, 2025

Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Philadelphia move

Your total cost will depend on:

  • Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,800 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 $1,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME guide.

Best Portland to Philadelphia movers by type

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Professional
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Local
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Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Portland to Philadelphia

Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Portland to Philadelphia 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.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best ME→PA 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 Philadelphia

Overall, Portland and Philadelphia land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.

Singles average $2,541 in Philadelphia and $2,491 in Portland, while families in Philadelphia see $6,190 versus $6,060 in Portland.

Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:

Portland Philadelphia
Average 1 BR rent $1,925 $1,791
Average 3 BR rent $3,500 $3,116
Average home value $542,001 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $64,171 $70,746
Cost of living (single) $2,491 $2,541
Cost of living (family of four) $6,060 $6,190
Unemployment rate 5.2% 10.6%
Sales tax 5.5% 8.0%
State income tax 5.8% 3.07%
  • When relocating from Portland to Philadelphia, expect to find rent about 15% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
  • You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 60% more affordable in Philadelphia compared to Portland.
  • Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 10% higher in Philadelphia compared to Portland, which might allow for more savings or investments.
  • Since the cost of living for a single person in both Philadelphia and Portland is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
  • The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Philadelphia and Portland, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
  • Philadelphia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Portland by around 104%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
  • Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 45% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
  • Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 47% below those in Maine. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Philadelphia:

Living Expense Portland Philadelphia
Basic utilities $203.15 $269.29
Cell phone plan $54.88 $61.40
Dozen eggs $4.26 $4.30
Loaf of bread $3.62 $4.15
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $25.00 $20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $120.00 $90.00
Gym membership $65.00 $48.67
  • Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in Philadelphia.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Philadelphia.
  • Bread costs less in Portland than in Philadelphia.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Philadelphia.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Philadelphia.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Portland vs. Philadelphia

Portland Philadelphia
Population 68,408 1,603,797
Transportation score 6 9
Walkability score 62 75
Bike friendliness score 68 67
Crime index 32.16 66.09
Safety index 67.84 33.91
Air quality Good Good
  • Philadelphia's population is about 2244% greater than Portland.
  • Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland's score of 6.
  • Philadelphia is more walkable than Portland with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • Both Philadelphia and Portland have similar bike-friendliness scores (68 vs 67), meaning Philadelphia is about as safe for cyclists as Portland. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
  • Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 66.09 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
  • Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 33.91 vs Portland's 67.84.
  • Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Portland it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Portland to Philadelphia 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
  • Moving Permits: Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Philadelphia

Planning your move to Philly? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Philadelphia.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cedar Park
  • Fishtown
  • Manayunk
  • Point Breeze
  • Washington Square West

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bella Vista
  • Bustleton
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase
  • Roxborough

Things to do in Philadelphia

After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love 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 Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

Planning your move from Portland to Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia?

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

The 405-mile journey from Portland, ME to Philadelphia, PA, 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 Philadelphia.

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 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.