Key factors that impact the cost of your New York City to Portland movetoggle

The cost of New York City movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from New York City to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $959, while larger moves may reach $5,358 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 New York City.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $371 to $845, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from New York City to Portland

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

Check out how New York City compares to Portland so you know what to expect before you relocate:

New York City Portland
Average rent cost $4,340 $1,991
Average home value $752,778 $542,001
Average income (per capita) $78,058 $64,171
Cost of living (single person) $5,683 $2,491
Cost of living (family of 4) $15,081 $6,060
Unemployment rate 11.2% 5.2%
Sales tax 8.0% 5.5%
State income tax 10.9% 5.8%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 54% lower than in New York City, 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 28.0% lower than in New York City.
  • Income in Portland is 17.8% lower than in New York City, 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 56.2% lower than in New York City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Portland is 59.8% lower than in New York City.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 53.57% lower than in New York City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Portland are 31.25% lower than in New York City.
  • One perk of moving to Portland is paying less in state income taxes, which are 46.79% lower than in New York City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,314.97 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.

How life is different in New York City vs. Portland

Portland New York City
Population 68,408 8,258,035
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 10
Walkability score 62 88
Bike friendliness score 68 69
Crime Index 32.16 50.83
Safety Index 67.84 49.17
Air Quality Good Good
  • Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 99% less than New York City.
  • Getting around Portland without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Portland has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Portland neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as New York City. Based on its score of 62 out of 100, Portland isnโ€™t as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • Portland and New York City are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 68 and 69 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • Portland has a lower crime rate than New York City based on scores of 32.16 and New York City's 50.83, 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 New York City, based on Portlandโ€™s safety index of 67.84 versus 49.17 for New York City. 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 New York City 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 New York City 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Maine, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toPortland Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Portland

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Forest City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Portland to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • West End
  • West Bayside
  • Parkside
  • Oakdale
  • Valley Street

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Deering Center
  • East End
  • North Deering
  • Back Cove
  • Oakdale

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 New York City to Portland?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Portland?

With many people choosing to move from New York City 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 New York City to Portland take?

Moving from New York City, NY to Portland, ME covers 316 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some New York City movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.

Helpful moving resources