Best Portland to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Portland to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,095 mile move from Maine to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 43 Portland to Chicago moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland compared to Chicago. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Portland to Chicago Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | SC Moving Services | 9.19 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | Vacationland Moving | 9.03 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Portland to Chicago
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,095 miles from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL will cost on average $2,712 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Chicago move is roughly $6,520. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,823 | 300 ft³ | 6.08 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,712 | 450 ft³ | 6.03 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,483 | 750 ft³ | 5.98 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,520 | 1100 ft³ | 5.93 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,404 | 1600 ft³ | 5.88 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,490 | 1800 ft³ | 5.83 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Portland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Portland to Chicago Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
You Move Me Portland
9442 SW Barbur Blvd
Portland, OR, 97219
About You Move Me Portland
You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2388358 / 820850 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2020) |
SC Moving Services
25 Augusta St
South Portland, ME, 04106
About SC Moving Services
SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2324405 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2016) |
Vacationland Moving
This listing has been claimed by Vacationland Moving1484 Maine St Apt 1
Poland, ME, 04274
About Vacationland Moving
Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest moving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3540196 / 1181718 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2024) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Portland vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Comparing local neighborhoods between Portland, ME & Chicago, IL can help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline. We'll compare popular neighborhoods in one city with the closest similar neighborhood in the other city.
| Portland | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Old Port | Wicker Park | Vibrant nightlife, artsy vibe |
| East End | Lakeview | Scenic views, family-friendly |
| West End | Lincoln Park | Historic, cultural attractions |
| Deering Center | Logan Square | Tree-lined streets, diverse community |
| North Deering | Edison Park | Suburban feel, tight-knit community |
| Back Cove | Roscoe Village | Cozy, residential vibe |
| Parkside | Andersonville | Historic charm, quaint atmosphere |
| Libbytown | Uptown | Urban energy, diverse attractions |
| West Bayside | West Loop | Eclectic mix, urban transformation |
| Stroudwater | North Park | Quaint, natural surroundings |
Exploring Old Port, you might be drawn to its lively atmosphere and bustling streets, echoing the vibrancy you'll find in Wicker Park with its eclectic bars and art scenes. If the charm of Portland's East End, with its scenic paths like the Eastern Promenade and friendly community parks, resonates with you, you'll feel right at home in Lakeview, where you can enjoy the lush lakefront views and comfortable community parks. Meanwhile, the historic allure of the West End is well-matched by Lincoln Park in Chicago, where cultural attractions such as the Chicago History Museum and expansive Lincoln Park offer a taste of rich history intertwined with natural beauty.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Chicago
Relocating from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL can be an exciting but daunting transition. To offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes associated with this move, we've created a dual comparison of the pros and cons that you may encounter in both Portland, ME and Chicago, IL . This will help you weigh your options more effectively.
Portland, ME- Limited job opportunities
- Harsh winters
- Less nightlife
Chicago, IL- More diverse job market
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Extensive public transit
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters still present
- Higher cost of living
- Traffic congestion
Portland, ME- Coastal charm
- Lower cost of living
- Quaint neighborhoods
While Portland charmed you with its coastal allure, moving to Chicago opens doors to more extensive career possibilities and a diverse cultural scene. However, the cost of living in Chicago is notably higher, which might necessitate adjustments in your budgeting. Exploring areas like Lincoln Park and enjoying the culinary delights in local restaurants can offer an enriching experience. The robust public transit system, including the "L" train, will make commuting convenient despite the occasional traffic snarl. Access to renowned attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park will enrich your weekends, ensuring your new city life thrives.
Portland vs. Chicago Food Guide
Food is an essential part of local culture and influences what it's like to live in an area. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Chicago to help you be better informed about the food scene where you're moving to.
| Portland | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Lobster Roll | Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Seafood Chowder | Italian Beef Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Clams | Chicago-Style Hot Dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Lobster Mac & Cheese | Portabella Mushroom Sandwich |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city | ||
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
As you make the move to Chicago, you'll find its food scene vibrant and diverse. Explore neighborhoods like Wicker Park for their trendy dining spots or West Loop for a gourmet experience. Chicago's signature deep dish pizza can be savored at iconic places like Giordano's, while the Chicago-style hot dog is a must-try street food found in spots like Portillo's. Chicago excels in its foodie scene and offers a rich variety of vegan options, enhanced by its abundance of food trucks and innovative dining spots. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the culinary treasures this city offers, balancing both tradition and contemporary tastes.
Portland vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a vital role in making a new place feel like home. Whether you're moving from Portland to Chicago, this comparison helps you discover your new favorite eateries by using Portland's popular dining spots as a guide. Explore the vibrant food scene as you transition from Portland to Chicago's culinary landscape.
| Portland | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Fore Street | Girl & the Goat | Known for innovative, farm-to-table dishes |
| Eventide Oyster Co. | Shaw's Crab House | Famous for fresh seafood and oysters |
| Central Provisions | The Purple Pig | Celebrated for eclectic small plates and shared dining |
| Flatbread Company | Piece Brewery and Pizzeria | Artisanal pizzas crafted with quality ingredients |
| Duckfat | Au Cheval | Renowned for gourmet comfort food |
| The Honey Paw | Duck Duck Goat | Offering creative Asian-inspired dishes |
| Becky's Diner | Lou Mitchell's | A classic diner experience with hearty breakfast fare |
| High Roller Lobster Co. | Luke's Lobster | Satisfying lobster rolls and coastal seafood delights |
| Street & Co. | Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Known for seafood-centric dining |
| Grace | Alinea | Excels in high-end, artful dining experiences |
Transitioning from Portland's vibrant dining scene to Chicago's epicurean offerings is a delightful journey. When it comes to savoring world-class seafood, Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland finds its match in Chicago's Shaw's Crab House, where you can indulge in fresh oysters and more. For fans of eclectic small plates, Central Provisions and The Purple Pig in Chicago have you covered, celebrating flavors meant for sharing. Pizza enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the artisanal offerings at Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, a place that echoes Flatbread Company's commitment to quality and flavor. Each step through Chicago's culinary landscape mirrors beloved Portland favorites, ensuring your taste buds feel right at home.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is crucial when moving, as it significantly influences your decision. Understanding how Portland and Chicago compare in terms of cost , architecture , and walkability can help you make an informed choice.
| Comparison | Portland | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront views | Proximity to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/">downtown</a> |
When considering a move to Chicago from Portland, several factors emerge as key differentiators. While both cities offer unique architectural styles, Portland's Colonial charm contrasts with Chicago's modern skyline, with landmarks like the Chicago Architecture Center. If walkability is a consideration, Chicago scores higher, making it a pedestrian-friendly urban setting, supported by its thriving public transportation networks. On the other hand, Portland's emphasis on sustainability is evident in its excellent bikeability scores, ideal for those who prefer cycling. Ultimately, your lifestyle preferences and budget will guide your decision.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.
2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.
3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.
Portland vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
If you're planning a move from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL , it's crucial to understand how the weather will compare to what you're accustomed to. This can help you prepare and adjust to your new environment more comfortably. Here’s a detailed comparison to guide you on what to expect when you call a new place home.
Portland, ME
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, ME
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Noreasters | Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from Portland to Chicago presents an interesting weather comparison. Both cities offer a moderate air quality index, although the type of natural disasters you might encounter differ, with Portland experiencing noreasters while Chicago is more prone to tornadoes. Humidity levels are slightly higher in Chicago, which might take some adjustment, but both cities have similar levels of sunshine, with just a few more sunny days in Portland. If you're allergic to tree pollen, you might find symptoms more pronounced in Chicago during certain times of the year.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Chicago
When moving from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL , understanding the differences in financial landscape is crucial. This comparison will help you visualize how the cost of living, income, and taxes vary between these two cities, ensuring a smoother transition by preparing you for the financial changes you'll encounter.
| Comparison | Portland | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $70,244 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.5 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 7.15% | 4.95% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.27% | 2.10% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.50% | 10.25% |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Tourism, Fishing | Finance, Manufacturing, Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
As you plan your move to Chicago, it's wise to consider the differences in cost of living and taxation between Portland and your new city. While Portland boasts a slightly higher average household income, Chicago is known for its diverse economy, with top industries such as finance and technology offering ample career opportunities. However, you'll need to be prepared for Chicago's higher sales and property taxes, which can impact your overall budget. The city also has a slightly higher poverty rate, which may influence your choice of neighborhood and lifestyle adjustments.
Portland vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
Whether you're moving for work, family, or a change of scenery, understanding the local culture is crucial. This section provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, featuring a comparison of the politics between Portland & Chicago . Explore how these cities differ in their approach to local politics and religious diversity.
| Portland | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive initiatives | Diverse tactics |
| Religion | Less religious-affiliated | More religious institutions |
While both Portland and Chicago share a liberal political makeup, their local political strategies diverge. In Portland, you'll find a strong emphasis on progressive initiatives, reflecting its small-town charm mixed with big-city ideals. Chicago, on the other hand, is known for a broader array of political tactics that reflect the city's diverse population. Religiously, Chicago boasts a larger number of religious institutions, offering numerous options for community involvement or spiritual guidance that might be less prominent in Portland's landscape.
Portland vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic in a new city can make your move smoother. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Chicago will help you anticipate differences and plan your transit options, whether you're driving or using public transport.
| Comparison | Portland | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 35 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Unlikely | Yes |
In Portland, the relatively light traffic congestion and shorter commute times mean driving can be quite manageable, but public transport options are limited. If you're considering relying solely on public transit, it might not be ideal. On the other hand, Chicago offers robust public transit with its extensive Chicago Transit Authority network, making it feasible to live without a car. However, traffic congestion can be significantly higher, so planning your travel times efficiently will be essential to mitigate potential delays.
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