Portland, OR to Boston, MA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Boston typically costs $5,500–$11,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 3,087 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Portland to Boston
Moving from Portland, OR to Boston, MA typically costs $5,500–$11,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 3,087-mile move from Portland to Boston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $10,809 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,354 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,666 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 03, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 13, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 22, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 14, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Boston
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $3,700, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $17,600.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,800–$5,500) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Boston, MA to Portland, OR guide.
Best Portland to Boston movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Portland to Boston
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Portland to Boston, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best OR→MA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 37 Oregon moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Boston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Boston runs about 87% higher for singles and 86% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $4,820 in Boston versus $2,572 in Portland; families pay $11,304 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,825 | $3,361 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $5,973 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $89,212 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $4,820 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $11,304 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 9.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 122% higher in Boston compared to Portland; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 41% greater in Boston than in Portland.
- Fortunately, the average income in Boston and Portland is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 87% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Boston, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 86% greater than in Portland.
- Boston enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 10% lower compared to Portland, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Boston has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 9% less in Massachusetts than in Oregon. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Portland and Boston:
| Living Expense | Portland | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.77 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $4.07 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $77.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Boston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Boston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Boston.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Boston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Portland than in Boston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Portland than in Boston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Boston.
How life is different in Portland vs. Boston
| Portland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 675,647 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 86 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 39.88 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 60.12 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boston's population is within about 5% of Portland, so they’re very similar in size.
- Boston's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland's 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 of 86 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
- 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 to Boston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Massachusetts doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 to Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Boston
Now that you've decided to make the move to Athens of America, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
Once you're settled into your new home in Massachusetts, it's time to get out and discover what Boston has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Boston?
The best time to move from Portland to Boston 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 Boston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Portland to Boston, 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 Boston take?
Moving from Portland, OR to Boston, MA covers 3,087 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Portland movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Boston.
Which movers in Portland give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Portland?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 16 movers in Portland advertise piano moving expertise. 10 movers in Portland provide antique moving services. State totals show 28 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
