Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Paul to Portland move
What to know before moving from St. Paul to Portland
Moving from St. Paul to Portland means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in St. Paul than in Portland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how St. Paul compares to Portland so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| St. Paul | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,991 |
| Average home value | $278,221 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,483 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,633 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,290 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.88% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 5.8% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 48% higher than in St. Paul, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in St. Paul.
Home prices in Portland are 94.8% higher than in St. Paul. - Income in Portland is 1.1% higher than in St. Paul, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include TD Banknorth Inc, Maine Medical Center, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America.
- The cost of living for a single person in Portland is 31.4% lower than in St. Paul. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Portland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 41.3% higher than in St. Paul.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 6.12% higher than in St. Paul.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโs sales taxes in Portland are 44.33% lower than in St. Paul.
- One perk of moving to Portland is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.12% lower than in St. Paul.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,056.98 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Paul.
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Portland
| Portland | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 303,176 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 64 |
| Crime Index | 32.16 | 50.86 |
| Safety Index | 67.84 | 49.14 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 77% less than St. Paul.
- Getting around Portland without a car might be more difficult than in St. Paul. Portland has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas St. Paul is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Portland to be about as walkable as St. Paul. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 62 and 60 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than St. Paul in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, while St. Paul is rated as 64 out of 100.
- Portland has a lower crime rate than St. Paul based on scores of 32.16 and St. Paul's 50.86, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Portland than in St. Paul, based on Portlandโs safety index of 67.84 versus 49.14 for St. Paul. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Portland and St. Paul is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul vs. Portland move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable 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 Maine, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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 Maine moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Maine doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options 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 Portland
Ready to relocate to "Forest City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West End
- West Bayside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- West End
- Valley Street
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
Now that you've made the move to Maine, itโs the perfect time to explore Portland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Portland, such as the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and Richard Boyd Art Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog 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 Maine Celtics (G League) and Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from St. Paul to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in St. Paul are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Portland?
With many people choosing to move from St. Paul to Portland 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 St. Paul to Portland take?
Moving from St. Paul, MN to Portland, ME covers 1,481 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some St. Paul movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
