Factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Lexingtontoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Portland to Lexington might cost as little as $1,796, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $15,135.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Portland, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,550 to $3,913. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Portland to Lexington

Moving from Portland to Lexington comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Lexington is generally more expensive than Portland, itโ€™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 Lexington
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,345
Average home value $522,596 $309,021
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $61,526
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $3,100
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $4,170
Unemployment rate 6.9% 4.3%
Sales tax 0.0% 6.0%
State income tax 9.9% 4.0%
  • Rent prices in Lexington are 12% 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 Lexington.
    Home prices in Lexington are 40.9% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Lexington is 28.4% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lexington include A&W Restaurants, University of Kentucky, and Federal Prison Industries.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lexington, since the cost of living for a single person in Lexington is 20.5% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lexington is 31.4% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Lexington is 37.68% lower than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lexington, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lexington are 6.00% higher than in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Lexington is paying less in state income taxes, which are 59.60% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,615.86 in Lexington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Lexington

Lexington Portland
Population 320,347 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 90 81
Bike friendliness score 85 92
Crime Index 50.88 57.37
Safety Index 49.12 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lexington's population is about 51% less than Portland.
  • Lexington's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
  • Lexington is more walkable than Portland with a score of 90 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
  • Lexington has a bike-friendliness score 85 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
  • Lexington's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 50.88 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • Lexington is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 49.12 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in Lexington is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Lexington move

  • Weather: Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) โ€“ Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Kentucky, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toLexington Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Lexington

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Horse Capital of the World" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lexington to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
  • Downtown Lexington
  • Fairway-Liberty Heights
  • Georgetown
  • Mount Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
  • Fairway-Liberty Heights
  • Georgetown
  • Paris
  • Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates

Things to do in Lexington

Now that you've made the move to Kentucky, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Lexington. 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 Lexington, such as the Kentucky Horse Park, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, and Explorium of Lexington.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s The Arboretum, Thoroughbred Park, Jacobson Park, and Masterson Station 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 Lexington Legends (ALPB) and Lexington SC (USL League One) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Portland to Lexington. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Portland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Lexington?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Portland to Lexington, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Portland to Lexington take?

The 2,382-mile journey from Portland, OR to Lexington, KY typically takes seven to 18 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 Lexington.

Helpful moving resources