Key factors that impact the cost of your El Paso to Portland movetoggle

The cost of El Paso movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from El Paso to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,522, while larger moves may reach $13,922 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 El Paso.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,607 to $4,403, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from El Paso to Portland

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

El Paso Portland
Average rent cost $1,510 $1,991
Average home value $223,218 $542,001
Average income (per capita) $58,354 $64,171
Cost of living (single person) $1,833 $2,491
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,360 $6,060
Unemployment rate 4.7% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.25% 5.5%
State income tax 0.0% 5.8%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 32% higher than in El Paso, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in El Paso.
    Home prices in Portland are 142.8% higher than in El Paso.
  • Income in Portland is 10.0% higher than in El Paso, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 35.9% higher than in El Paso. 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 39.0% higher than in El Paso.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 10.64% higher than in El Paso.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Portland are 24.14% lower than in El Paso.
  • State income taxes in Portland are 5.80% higher than in El Paso.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,076.92 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in El Paso.

How life is different in El Paso vs. Portland

Portland El Paso
Population 68,408 678,815
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 62 40
Bike friendliness score 68 42
Crime Index 32.16 32.51
Safety Index 67.84 67.49
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 90% less than El Paso.
  • Portland offers better access to buses and trains than El Paso, based on public transportation ratings. Portland has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in El Paso. 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 El Paso. Portland is considered more walkable than El Paso, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso is rated as 42 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Portland as El Paso. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Portland is generally as safe as El Paso, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Portland has better air quality than in El Paso. Portland has Good air quality, compared to moderate in El Paso. 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 El Paso 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Maine, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Maine doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Portland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Portland

With your sights set on "Forest City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East End
  • West Bayside
  • Downtown
  • Oakdale
  • Back Cove

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Deering Center
  • East End
  • Valley Street
  • East Deering
  • Oakdale

Things to do in Portland

After settling into your new Maine home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League) and Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from El Paso to Portland?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from El Paso to Portland?

With many people choosing to move from El Paso 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 El Paso to Portland take?

Moving from El Paso, TX to Portland, ME covers 2,479 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some El Paso movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.

Helpful moving resources