($1,493) Movers From Atlanta, GA to Portland, ME

What to know before moving from Atlanta to Portland

Moving from Atlanta to Portland means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Atlanta than in Portland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Atlanta compares to Portland so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Portland are 5% higher than in Atlanta, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Atlanta.
  Home prices in Portland are 39.6% higher than in Atlanta.
• Income in Portland is 2.9% lower than in Atlanta, 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 in Portland is 20.5% lower than in Atlanta. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Portland is 22.5% lower than in Atlanta.
• The unemployment rate in Portland is 13.33% lower than in Atlanta.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the city’s sales taxes in Portland are 38.20% lower than in Atlanta.
• State income taxes in Portland are 5.65% higher than in Atlanta.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,384.49 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Atlanta.

How life is different in Atlanta vs. Portland

• Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 86% less than Atlanta.
• Getting around Portland without a car might be more difficult than in Atlanta. Portland has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Atlanta is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Living in Portland means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Atlanta. Portland is considered more walkable than Atlanta, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 48 out of 100 in Atlanta. A city’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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta is rated as 42 out of 100.
• Portland has a lower crime rate than Atlanta based on scores of 32.16 and Atlanta's 64.23, 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 Atlanta, based on Portland’s safety index of 67.84 versus 35.77 for Atlanta. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• You can breathe easy knowing that Portland has better air quality than in Atlanta. Portland has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Atlanta. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Atlanta 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 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.

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.

Helpful moving resources