$1,959 Movers From Tacoma to Portland

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME averages from $2,160 to $11,284 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Tacoma moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Portland, ME.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Portland to Tacoma guide.

Moving from Tacoma to Portland resources

Moving 3,157 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Tacoma to Portland?

Tacoma movers charge $133 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,959 - $7,544 $1,634 - $4,380 $1,879 - $3,572
2 - 3 bedrooms $5,621 - $11,284 $3,171 - $6,265 $2,160 - $4,652
4+ bedrooms $10,575 - $18,185 $4,214 - $8,653 $2,547 - $5,277
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 3,157 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Tacoma to Portland will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Tacoma to Portland?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tacoma to Portland will cost between $1,959 to $7,544. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $5,621 to $11,284, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Tacoma to Portland will cost from $10,575 to $18,185.

How much are moving container companies from Tacoma to Portland?

Moving containers from Tacoma to Portland will cost you $1,634 to $4,380 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,171 to $6,265. A larger home will cost $4,214 to $8,653.

How much is a moving truck from Tacoma to Portland?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,879 to $3,572. A larger move will cost $2,160 to $4,652, and a four-bedroom move from Tacoma to Portland costs from $2,547 to $5,277. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Tacoma to Portland moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Tacoma to Portland is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Tacoma to Portland.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Tacoma to Portland

Cost of living: Tacoma vs Portland

Tacoma Portland
Average rent cost $1,695 $2,190
Average home value $462,500 $522,252
Average income (per capita) $71,089 $62,646
Cost of Living (single person) $1,051 $2,430
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,740 $6,125
Unemployment rate 7.3% 5.2%
Sales Tax 10.3% 5.5%
State Income Tax 0.0% 5.8%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 29% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Home prices in Portland are 12.9% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Portland is 11.9% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Portland is 131.2% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a family in Portland is 63.8% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 28.77% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Sales taxes in Portland are 46.60% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Portland are 5.80% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,936.25 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How is life different in Tacoma compared to Portland?

Portland Tacoma
Population 68,408 218,849
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 62 54
Bike friendliness score 68 48
Crime Index 19.79 1.0
Safety Index 67.22 45.88
Air Quality Good Good
  • Portland's population is about 69% less than Tacoma.
  • Portland's public transportation has a similar score to Tacoma.
  • Portland is more walkable than Tacoma with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • Portland is more bike-friendly than Tacoma with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 48.
  • Portland's crime rate is higher than Tacoma with a score of 19.79 compared to Tacoma's 1.0. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 19.79% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 1.0%.
  • Portland is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 67.22 vs Tacoma's 45.88.
  • Air quality in Portland is good, and in Tacoma it's good.

Considerations for moving to Portland

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months..
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Tacoma movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Mountain Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
9413 47th Ave SW Bldg 14 Suite E, Lakewood, WA, 98499
(800) 249-2414
Atlantic Relocation Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
2121 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA, 98409
(509) 258-5050

Visit our best long distance movers in Tacoma page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Portland

Now that you've decided to make the move to "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

What to do in Portland

These are some of the best things to do in your new Maine home.

  • Portland's Old Port District & Commercial Street
  • Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands
  • Victoria Mansion
  • Eastern Promenade
  • Portland Museum of Art
  • Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
  • Crescent Beach
  • Portland Observatory
  • Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co and Museum
  • Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park
  • Wadsworth Longfellow House

Get your sports on!

Portland is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Maine Celtics (G League)
  • Maine Mariners (ECHL)

FAQs about moving from Tacoma to Portland

When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Portland?

The best time to move from Tacoma to Portland is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 79ºF and the winter lows of 11ºF in Portland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Portland?

Because most people are moving from Tacoma to Portland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Portland