Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Salt Lake City to Portland typically costs $4,300–$9,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,463 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Salt Lake City to Portland
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, ME typically costs $4,300–$9,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,463-mile move from Salt Lake City 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,307 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,644 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,593 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 31, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Salt Lake City to Portland
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $13,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Salt Lake City, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,500–$4,600) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Best Salt Lake City to Portland movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Salt Lake City to Portland
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Salt Lake City to Portland, 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 UT→ME movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 33 Utah 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 Salt Lake City to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Portland runs about 15% higher for singles and 26% higher for families than Salt Lake City.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Portland versus $2,172 in Salt Lake City; families pay $6,060 compared with $4,827.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Salt Lake City | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,618 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,727 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $549,528 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,975 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,172 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,827 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.8% |
- Rent is estimated to be 33% higher in Portland compared to Salt Lake City; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Portland and Salt Lake City, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Fortunately, the average income in Portland and Salt Lake City is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 15% higher than in Salt Lake City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Portland, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 26% greater than in Salt Lake City.
- In Portland, the unemployment rate is approximately 73% higher than in Salt Lake City, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 29% in Portland compared to Salt Lake City, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 17% higher in Maine than in Utah, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Salt Lake City and Portland:
| Living Expense | Salt Lake City | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $183.16 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $67.42 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.28 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.36 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $82.50 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $27.89 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Salt Lake City than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Salt Lake City than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Salt Lake City than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Salt Lake City than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Salt Lake City than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Salt Lake City than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Salt Lake City than in Portland.
How life is different in Salt Lake City vs. Portland
| Salt Lake City | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,133 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 59 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 74 | 68 |
| Crime index | 34.64 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 65.36 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 66% less than Salt Lake City.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Salt Lake City's score of 8.
- Portland and Salt Lake City are similarly walkable.
- Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Salt Lake City, which has a score of 74.
- Portland's crime rate is lower than Salt Lake City with a score of 32.16 compared to Salt Lake City's 34.64. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Salt Lake City neighborhoods are safer than 34.64%.
- Portland and Salt Lake City have a similar safety level, with scores of 67.84 and 65.36.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Salt Lake City it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Salt Lake City to Portland 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: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Maine 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 Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you've decided to make the move to The Forest City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Maine, it's time to get out and discover what Portland has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Portland, such as 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 — 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 Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Salt Lake City to Portland?
The best time to move from Salt Lake City to Portland is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Salt Lake City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Salt Lake City to Portland?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Salt Lake City to Portland, 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 Salt Lake City to Portland take?
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, ME covers 2,463 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Salt Lake City movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
Which movers in Salt Lake City give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 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 Salt Lake City?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 18 movers in Salt Lake City advertise piano moving expertise. 13 movers in Salt Lake City provide antique moving services. State totals show 26 piano movers and 18 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.
