Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Knoxville to Portland typically costs $3,100–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,026 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Knoxville to Portland
Moving from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME typically costs $3,100–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,026-mile move from Knoxville to Portland, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,319 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,171 for a 4 bedroom using a rental truck.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,447 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
2 Bedrooms
Mar 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Knoxville to Portland move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Knoxville.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $2,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Knoxville, TN guide.
Best Knoxville to Portland movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Knoxville to Portland
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Knoxville 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 TN→ME movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 71 Tennessee 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 Knoxville to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Portland runs about 14% higher for singles and 17% higher for families than Knoxville.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Portland versus $2,184 in Knoxville; families pay $6,060 compared with $5,200.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Knoxville | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,667 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,210 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $350,035 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,050 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,184 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,200 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.8% |
- Planning a move to Portland? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 11% higher than in Knoxville, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Portland are about 55% higher than those in Knoxville.
- In terms of average income, Portland and Knoxville are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Portland, as living costs for a single person are 14% higher than in Knoxville. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Portland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 17% higher than in Knoxville.
- Portland shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Knoxville by around 11%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 41% less in Portland relative to Knoxville. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Maine has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Knoxville and Portland:
| Living Expense | Knoxville | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.94 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.06 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $34.67 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Knoxville than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Knoxville than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Knoxville than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Knoxville than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Knoxville than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Knoxville than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Knoxville than in Portland.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Portland
| Knoxville | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 30 | 68 |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 57.46 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 64% less than Knoxville.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Knoxville's score of 4.
- Portland is more walkable than Knoxville with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Knoxville's 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Knoxville with a score of 32.16 compared to Knoxville's 42.54. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Knoxville with a safety index of 67.84 vs Knoxville's 57.46.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Knoxville it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Portland?
Planning your move from Knoxville to Portland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Knoxville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Portland?
Because most people are moving from Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Portland take?
The 1,026-mile journey from Knoxville, TN to Portland, ME, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Knoxville 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 Knoxville?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel.
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 Knoxville?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Knoxville, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Tennessee has 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
