Best Portland to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Portland to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 1,095 miles from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Portland. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Portland entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Portland to Chicago moving option

Hire local Portland movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Portland to Chicago move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Portland to Chicago movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Portland, ME to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Portland to Chicago moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 40 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Portland and Chicago areas.

From these 40 companies, we analyzed a total of 20,823 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 22 state and federal moving licenses from these 40 companies and 207 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~20,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 16,095 Portland to Chicago moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Portland to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.56/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 16,254 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.22/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 6,172 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.71/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 3,674 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.62/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 6,112 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.50/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 3,193 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.81/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 8,748 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.06/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 7,905 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.31/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 15,360 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.48/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 8,869 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.26/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 1,914 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.27/10 avg (Portland & Chicago combined) from 8,215 reviews

From Portland to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Old Port in Portland & River North in Chicago are both known for their historic warehouse district & nightlife
• Portland's West End neighborhood & Chicago's West Town both share quiet residential rowhouses near downtown
• If you're moving from East Bayside, check out Pilsen in the Chicago area for the arts district in a former industrial area
• Do you enjoy Munjoy Hill's lakefront parks & family-friendly vibe? You're sure to love Lincoln Park
• Move from Deering Center to Lincoln Square and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic homes & community events
• Rosemont & Ravenswood are both known for their artsy residential enclave with local breweries
• Portland's Nasons Corner neighborhood & Chicago's Beverly neighborhood both have suburban-style residential neighborhoods
• If you're moving from East Deering, look into Jefferson Park for the mixed condos & single-family homes edge
• Do you cherish living in Oakdale's quiet lakeshore residential district? Move into Edgewater for something similar
• The similar vibes of North Deering & Norwood Park are both known for tree-lined streets & spacious yards

Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Chicago

ConsPortland, ME

• Limited job opportunities
• Harsh winters
• Less nightlife

ProsChicago, IL

• More diverse job market
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Extensive public transit

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Chicago, IL

• Harsh winters still present
• Higher cost of living
• Traffic congestion

Portland, ME

• Coastal charm
• Lower cost of living
• Quaint neighborhoods

Pros of moving from Portland to Chicago

• Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a more diverse job market
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Chicago with its vibrant cultural scene
• Swap the less nightlife of Portland for the extensive public transit in Chicago

Cons of moving from Portland to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the coastal charm in Portland to live with harsh winters still present in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of a higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to quaint neighborhoods and get used to the traffic congestion in Chicago

Portland vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Portland to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Portland for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Portland rave about their flavorful Seafood Chowder and sumptuous Fried Clams, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwich and Chicago-Style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Lobster Mac and Cheese they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Portabella Mushroom Sandwich of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Portland eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., Fore Street, and Central Provisions. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Giordano's, Portillo's, and Alinea.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Portland. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Portland. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Chicago.

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Portland favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Fore Street, Eventide Oyster Co., and Central Provisions in Portland, we're sure you'll love Girl & the Goat, Shaw's Crab House, and The Purple Pig in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Portland hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Flatbread Company, head to Piece Brewery and Pizzeria on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Portland and Chicago

• The Colonial architecture that Portland is known for will be replaced with the Modern architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Portland's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to <a href='https://www.chicago.gov/'>downtown</a>.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Portland.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Chicago is less bike-friendly than Portland.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Portland.
• Chicago housing costs are 47% less expensive than they are in Portland, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Portland’s $548,318.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 64% increase in Portland.
• Rent in Chicago is 5.43% more affordable than in Portland.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Portland and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Portland to Chicago. Chicago gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Portland.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Portland.
• Say goodbye to the possible noreasters in Portland but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes in Chicago.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 7 degrees warmer than in Portland.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Portland.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Portland.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Portland and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 5% less than in Portland
• The COLI in Chicago is 0% higher than what you are used to living in Portland
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 7.15% in ME
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Portland
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to low poverty in Portland
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Portland and moderate in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Portland vs. Chicago

• Portland tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as having more religious institutions
• Portland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Portland vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 75% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Portland commute. That's 7800 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Portland.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.