($1,355) Movers From Chicago, IL to Portland, ME

What to know before moving from Chicago to Portland

• Rent prices in Portland are 3% lower than in Chicago.
• Home prices in Portland are 83.3% higher than in Chicago.
• Income in Portland is 10.3% lower than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a single person in Portland is 94.6% higher than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a family in Portland is 29.3% higher than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Portland is 42.22% lower than in Chicago.
• Sales taxes in Portland are 46.34% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Portland are 17.17% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,838.28 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Portland

• Portland's population is about 98% less than Chicago.
• Portland's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
• Portland is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Portland has a bike-friendliness score 68 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Portland's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 32.16 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Portland is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 67.84 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Portland is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago 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