Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Burlingtontoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Burlington can be as low as $1,855 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 17,433.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $2,067 to $5,092. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Burlington

Moving from Portland to Burlington comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Burlington 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 Burlington
Average rent cost $1,530 $2,200
Average home value $522,596 $495,758
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $66,546
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $2,693
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $5,537
Unemployment rate 6.9% 3.2%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.0%
State income tax 9.9% 8.75%
  • Rent prices in Burlington are 44% higher than in Portland, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Burlington.
    Home prices in Burlington are 5.1% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Burlington is 22.5% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Burlington include The University of Vermont Health Network, University of Vermont, and Champlain College.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Burlington, since the cost of living for a single person in Burlington is 4.7% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Burlington is 8.9% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Burlington is 53.62% lower than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Burlington, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Burlington are 7.00% higher than in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Burlington is paying less in state income taxes, which are 11.62% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,141.14 in Burlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Burlington

Burlington Portland
Population 44,743 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 59 81
Bike friendliness score 81 92
Crime Index 43.33 57.37
Safety Index 56.67 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Burlington's population is about 93% less than Portland.
  • Burlington's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
  • Burlington is less walkable than Portland with a score of 59 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
  • Burlington has a bike-friendliness score 81 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.
  • Burlington's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 43.33 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Burlington neighborhoods are safer than 43.33% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • Burlington is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 56.67 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in Burlington is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Burlington move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Burlington, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Vermont, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Vermont moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Vermont, 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 toBurlington Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.When it comes to movers' insurance in Vermont, many moving companies provide Released Value Protection at no extra charge, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For heightened protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Exploring third-party insurance providers for personalized plans is also an option. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Vermont.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Burlington

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Five Sisters
  • Downtown
  • Old North End
  • South End
  • Hill Section (Hill District)

Best neighborhoods for families

  • South End
  • The Hill

Things to do in Burlington

Now that you've made the move to Vermont, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Burlington. 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 Burlington, such as the Frog Hollow Craft Center, Burlington City Arts Center, Robert Hull Fleming Museum, and New City Galerie.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Burlington Bike Path, Waterfront Park, North Beach Park, and Oakledge 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 Vermont Catamounts (America East) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Portland to Burlington 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 Burlington?

Because most people are moving from Portland to Burlington in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Portland to Burlington take?

The 3,003-mile move from Portland, OR, to Burlington, VT, takes seven to 21 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 Burlington.

Helpful moving resources