Best overall value
Local moving companies in Portland
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- William C. Huff Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bridges Bros. Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
Company Info
State license #: 361089
Years in Business: 117
DOT #: 361089
Alternate Names: William C. Huff Trucking Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Company Info
State license #: 3152985
Years in Business: 106
DOT #: 3152985
Alternate Names: Bridges Brothers Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Damage to items
- Unfriendly or rude staff
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company, Bisson I & R Commercial Services, Bisson I & R Document Security, Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Norfolk
What to know before moving from Portland to Norfolk
Moving from Portland to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Portland, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Portland | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,991 | $1,500 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,491 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,060 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 25% lower than in Portland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
Home prices in Norfolk are 47.6% lower than in Portland. - Income in Norfolk is 1.1% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Norfolk — including CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 11.2% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Norfolk can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8.4% less than what it costs in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 40.38% higher than in Portland.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Norfolk, since its sales taxes are 9.09% higher than what you are paying in Portland.
- State income taxes are the same in Norfolk and Portland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,334.81 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.
How life is different in Portland vs. Norfolk
| Norfolk | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 68,408 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 68 |
| Crime Index | 58.1 | 32.16 |
| Safety Index | 41.9 | 67.84 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk's population is about 248% greater than Portland.
- Norfolk's public transportation has a similar score to Portland.
- Norfolk is less walkable than Portland with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score 47 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.
- Norfolk's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 58.1 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 41.9 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Norfolk is good, and in Portland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Norfolk move
- Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Virginia 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: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Norfolk. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Norfolk
With your sights set on Norfolk, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- West Ghent
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
After settling into your new Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Norfolk features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Norfolk?
The best time to move from Portland to Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
With many people choosing to move from Portland to Norfolk in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Portland to Norfolk take?
The 674-mile move from Portland, ME, to Norfolk, VA, takes one to six 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 Norfolk.
