Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Philadelphia to Portland typically costs $1,900–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 405 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Philadelphia to Portland
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME typically costs $1,900–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 405-mile move from Philadelphia to Portland, 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 $2,427 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,545 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,607 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 12, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 14, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Philadelphia to Portland move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Philadelphia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $1,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Best Philadelphia to Portland movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Philadelphia to Portland
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Philadelphia to Portland much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 PA→ME movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 107 Pennsylvania movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Portland
Overall, Philadelphia and Portland land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,491 in Portland and $2,541 in Philadelphia, while families in Portland see $6,060 versus $6,190 in Philadelphia.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Philadelphia | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 5.8% |
- Planning a move to Portland? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 17% higher than in Philadelphia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Portland are about 150% higher than those in Philadelphia.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 9% lower in Portland compared to Philadelphia.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Portland and Philadelphia is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Portland and Philadelphia, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is about 51% lower than in Philadelphia. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 31% less in Portland relative to Philadelphia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Maine are 89% above those in Pennsylvania. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Philadelphia and Portland:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Philadelphia than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Philadelphia than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Philadelphia than in Portland.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Portland
| Philadelphia | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 68 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 96% less than Philadelphia.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
- Portland is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
- Both Portland and Philadelphia have similar bike-friendliness scores (67 vs 68), meaning Portland is about as safe for cyclists as Philadelphia. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 32.16 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 67.84 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Portland move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Maine’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Portland
Planning your move to The Forest City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- Rosemont
- West End
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- Back Cove
- East Deering
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
After settling into your new Maine home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Portland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Portland?
Planning your move from Philadelphia to Portland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Portland?
Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Portland 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 Philadelphia to Portland take?
The 405-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Philadelphia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Portland.
Are there special savings available from movers in Philadelphia?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Philadelphia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Philadelphia, 53 movers can manage piano relocations. 41 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Pennsylvania has 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
