Arlington, VA to Portland, ME Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Portland typically costs $2,200–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 542 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Portland
Moving from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME typically costs $2,200–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 542-mile move from Arlington 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
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,112 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,628 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,035 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 17, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 28, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Arlington to Portland move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Arlington.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $500 to $1,200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, ME to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Portland movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Arlington to Portland
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Arlington 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 VA→ME movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 103 Virginia 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 Arlington to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 64% less for singles and 49% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,491 for one person in Portland versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $6,060 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.8% |
- When relocating from Arlington to Portland, expect to find rent about 27% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 33% more affordable in Portland compared to Arlington.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 50% lower in Portland compared to Arlington.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Portland, as the cost of living for a single person is 64% lower compared to Arlington.
- A move to Portland can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 49% less than what it costs in Arlington.
- Portland shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Arlington by around 30%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 8% less in Portland relative to Arlington. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Maine and Virginia, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Arlington and Portland:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Arlington than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Arlington than in Portland.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Arlington than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Arlington than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Portland.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Portland
| Arlington | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 68 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland's population is about 71% less than Arlington.
- Portland's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
- Portland is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
- Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Portland's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 32.16 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Portland is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 67.84 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington 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 Arlington to Portland?
Planning your move from Arlington to Portland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Portland?
Because most people are moving from Arlington 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 Arlington to Portland take?
The 542-mile journey from Arlington, VA to Portland, ME, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Arlington 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 Arlington?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 14 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 Arlington?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Arlington, 57 movers can manage piano relocations. 44 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 79 piano movers and 49 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.
