($1,952) Movers From Portland, OR to Boston, MA

What to know before moving from Portland to Boston

Moving from Portland to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Boston 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:

• Rent prices in Boston are 122% higher than in Portland, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Portland.
  Home prices in Boston are 41.4% higher than in Portland.
• Income in Boston is 3.9% higher than in Portland, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 87.4% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 86.0% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Boston is 10.14% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the city’s sales taxes in Boston are 6.25% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Boston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 9.09% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,622.08 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Boston

• Boston's population is about the same as Portland.
• Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 8.
• Boston is more walkable than Portland with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
• Boston has a bike-friendliness score 86 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.
• Boston's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 39.88 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
• Boston is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 60.12 vs Portland's 42.63.
• Air quality in Boston is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Boston move

• Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
• 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 regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Massachusetts, though it\’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 toBoston Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Boston

Now that you’ve chosen "Athens of America" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Boston to check out.

Helpful moving resources