Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Pittsburgh to Portland move
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Portland
Moving from Pittsburgh to Portland comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Portland is generally more expensive than Pittsburgh , itโs 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:
| Pittsburgh | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,991 |
| Average home value | $222,451 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 5.8% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 33% higher than in Pittsburgh , which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Pittsburgh .
Home prices in Portland are 143.6% higher than in Pittsburgh . - Income in Portland is 18.2% higher than in Pittsburgh , so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include TD Banknorth Inc, Maine Medical Center, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 17.0% higher than in Pittsburgh . This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Portland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 20.9% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 26.76% lower than in Pittsburgh .
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโs sales taxes in Portland are 21.43% lower than in Pittsburgh .
- State income taxes in Portland are 88.93% higher than in Pittsburgh .
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,510.10 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Portland
| Portland | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 303,255 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 55 |
| Crime Index | 32.16 | 37.74 |
| Safety Index | 67.84 | 62.26 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 77% less than Pittsburgh .
- Getting around Portland without a car might be more difficult than in Pittsburgh . Portland has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Pittsburgh is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Portland to be about as walkable as Pittsburgh . The two cities have similar walkability scores of 62 and 62 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than Pittsburgh in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, while Pittsburgh is rated as 55 out of 100.
- Portland has a lower crime rate than Pittsburgh based on scores of 32.16 and Pittsburgh 's 37.74, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Portland than in Pittsburgh , based on Portlandโs safety index of 67.84 versus 62.26 for Pittsburgh . With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Portland and Pittsburgh is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh vs. Portland move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, 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 regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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 Maine moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Maine, though it\โs 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 toPortland 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Portland
Now that youโve chosen "Forest City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Portland to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West End
- West Bayside
- Downtown
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- East End
- Rosemont
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- East Deering
Things to do in Portland
Now that you've made the move to Maine, itโs the perfect time to explore Portland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Portland, such as the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and Richard Boyd Art Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog 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 Maine Celtics (G League) and Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Pittsburgh to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Pittsburgh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Portland?
With many people choosing to move from Pittsburgh to Portland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Portland take?
Moving from Pittsburgh , PA to Portland, ME covers 671 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Pittsburgh movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
