Key factors that impact the cost of your Ontario to Portland movetoggle

The cost of Ontario movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Ontario to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,714, while larger moves may reach $15,017 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Ontario.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,908 to $4,940, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Ontario to Portland

Moving from Ontario to Portland comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Portland is generally more expensive than Ontario, itโ€™s 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:

Ontario Portland
Average rent cost $2,619 $1,991
Average home value $668,089 $542,001
Average income (per capita) $71,908 $64,171
Cost of living (single person) $2,473 $2,491
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,793 $6,060
Unemployment rate 6.9% 5.2%
Sales tax 8.75% 5.5%
State income tax 13.3% 5.8%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 24% lower than in Ontario, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Portland.
    Home prices in Portland are 18.9% lower than in Ontario.
  • Income in Portland is 10.8% lower than in Ontario, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include TD Banknorth Inc, Maine Medical Center, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America.
  • The cost of living for a single person is the same in Portland and Ontario. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 4.6% higher than in Ontario.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 24.64% lower than in Ontario.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Portland are 37.14% lower than in Ontario.
  • One perk of moving to Portland is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.39% lower than in Ontario.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,021.84 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ontario.

How life is different in Ontario vs. Portland

Portland Ontario
Population 68,408 175,265
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 62 48
Bike friendliness score 68 46
Crime Index 32.16 50.25
Safety Index 67.84 49.75
Air Quality Good Good
  • Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 61% less than Ontario.
  • Portland offers better access to buses and trains than Ontario, based on public transportation ratings. Portland has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Ontario. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Portland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Ontario. Portland is considered more walkable than Ontario, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 48 out of 100 in Ontario. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than Ontario 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 Ontario is rated as 46 out of 100.
  • Portland has a lower crime rate than Ontario based on scores of 32.16 and Ontario's 50.25, 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 Ontario, based on Portlandโ€™s safety index of 67.84 versus 49.75 for Ontario. 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 Ontario 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 Ontario 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: 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 youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™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.

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

  • West Bayside
  • Parkside
  • Downtown
  • Oakdale
  • Back Cove

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Deering Center
  • East End
  • Rosemont
  • West End
  • Valley Street

Things to do in Portland

Now that you've made the move to Maine, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Portland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll 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 cityโ€™s 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 Ontario to Portland?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Ontario to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Ontario are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from Ontario 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 Ontario to Portland take?

Moving from Ontario, CA to Portland, ME covers 3,047 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Ontario movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.

Helpful moving resources