($1,543) Movers From Detroit, MI to Portland, ME

What to know before moving from Detroit to Portland

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

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

• Rent prices in Portland are 59% higher than in Detroit, 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 Detroit.
  Home prices in Portland are 640.9% higher than in Detroit.
• Income in Portland is 69.9% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more 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 Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Portland is 9.4% lower than in Detroit.
• The unemployment rate in Portland is 42.60% lower than in Detroit.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the city’s sales taxes in Portland are 8.33% lower than in Detroit.
• State income taxes in Portland are 36.47% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,989.20 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Portland

• Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 89% less than Detroit.
• Getting around Portland without a car might be more difficult than in Detroit. Portland has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Detroit is ranked 7. 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 Detroit. Portland is considered more walkable than Detroit, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit is rated as 52 out of 100.
• Portland has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 32.16 and Detroit's 72.92, 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 Detroit, based on Portland’s safety index of 67.84 versus 27.08 for Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Maine moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Maine doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Portland

Ready to relocate to "Forest City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Portland.

Helpful moving resources