Moving from Portland, ME to Illinois: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
If you're planning a move from Portland, ME to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 1,209 miles — firmly in long-distance mover territory. That distance means this isn't a job for just anyone with a van and a Craigslist listing. You need a company with a real interstate track record.
The financial case for this move is also worth understanding upfront. Portland's cost of living consistently runs higher than Illinois on nearly every metric — rent, home prices, taxes. That gap works in your favor once you land.
Here's what you actually need to know to pull this off without getting burned.
Top Moving Companies in Portland, ME for Your Illinois Move
Out of nine Portland-area movers capable of handling interstate jobs, these five have the reviews, services, and credentials to handle a Portland-to-Illinois run.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.52 / 5
- Bisson Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine — 4.38 / 5
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems — 4.34 / 5
- Integrity Movers — 4.22 / 5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME 04092
- MoveFinders rating: 4.5 / 5
- Yelp reviews (15) · Google reviews (209)
- BBB: Grade A+
- 96% positive / 5% negative across 244 reviews
Of 244 reviews analyzed, 95.5% are positive — that's one of the cleaner track records I see in the Maine market. Customers reliably mention efficiency, on-time arrivals, and crews who treat belongings carefully. The negative reviews do flag real issues — item damage, rude office staff, higher final charges than quoted — but they're a small fraction. For a 1,200-mile run to Illinois, this is the kind of baseline consistency that matters.
DOT #: 2527384 | In business: 8 years
Services: Local & interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit cards accepted
Bisson Moving & Storage
85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092
- MoveFinders rating: 4.4 / 5
- Yelp reviews (16) · Google reviews (67)
- BBB: Grade A+
- 71% positive / 25% negative across 87 reviews
Bisson has been doing this for 105 years — not a typo. A company that's survived a century in the moving business has figured out the fundamentals: careful handling, prompt crews, transparent pricing. About 25% of reviewers raise issues around property damage or unexpected charges, which I'd flag but also put in context — it's fewer gripes than you'd expect for a company with this volume of moves. They're also equipped for international moves, which signals real infrastructure for complex interstate hauls.
DOT #: 125550 | In business: 105 years
Services: Local, interstate & international, full specialty item handling (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, credit cards accepted
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine
422½ Fore St, Suite #1, Portland, ME 04101
- MoveFinders rating: 4.3 / 5
- Yelp reviews (57) · Google reviews (147)
- BBB: Grade B−
- 68% positive / 31% negative across 226 reviews
Speed and transparent pricing are what Liberty Bell customers brag about — 68% positive is above average for this region. Crews consistently show up ready, and a lot of reviewers specifically mention that billing wasn't a surprise. That said, 31% negative is a number I take seriously. The complaints cluster around damaged items, last-minute cancellations, and poor management response when things go wrong. If you book Liberty Bell, get everything in writing and call to confirm 48 hours before your move.
DOT #: 1846942 | In business: 16 years
Services: Local & interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, cash & credit cards accepted, deposit required
Allen & Coles Moving Systems
75 Pinetree Industrial Park, Portland, ME 04102
- MoveFinders rating: 4.3 / 5
- Yelp reviews (4)
- BBB: Grade B−
- 86% positive / 13% negative across 194 reviews
Allen & Coles operates as an agent for North American Van Lines, which gives them access to a national carrier network — useful for a route that crosses multiple states. Eighty-six percent positive is strong, and reviewers specifically call out careful handling and proactive communication. The negative 13% mostly involves billing confusion and slow resolution of damage claims — common interstate mover pain points, but a smaller share here than most.
DOT #: 070851 | In business: 38 years
Services: Local, interstate & international, packing/unpacking, offices, specialty items (pianos, pool tables, antiques), crating, storage, fragile-only packing, credit cards accepted
Integrity Movers
95 Pleasant Hill Rd, Unit I, Scarborough, ME 04074
- MoveFinders rating: 4.2 / 5
- Yelp reviews (44)
- BBB: Grade A+
- 80% positive / 18% negative across 234 reviews
Integrity earns consistent praise for speed, friendly crews, and careful handling. About 80% of 234 reviewers flag at least one of those qualities positively. The negative 18% points to damages, late arrivals, and a pattern of inadequate follow-through when something goes wrong. They're a reasonable option for Portland-to-Illinois if you nail down your delivery window in writing and understand the claims process before you sign anything.
DOT #: 2333228
Services: Local & interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, cash & credit cards accepted
Local Moving Services in Portland, ME
Here's a quick snapshot of specialty services available from Portland's interstate movers:
| Service | Movers offering it | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 7 | 77.8% |
| Small moves | 3 | 33.3% |
| Antiques | 6 | 66.7% |
| Art | 5 | 55.6% |
| Pianos | 9 | 100% |
| Fragile-only packing | 6 | 66.7% |
Cost to Move from Portland, ME to Illinois
These ranges are based on a ~1,209-mile move and reflect current market pricing across service types. Use them as a starting point — then run the numbers through our moving cost calculator and get actual quotes before you commit to anyone.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,284 – $5,113 | $823 – $2,013 | $747 – $1,396 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,955 – $6,791 | $1,565 – $2,925 | $815 – $1,709 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,871 – $9,185 | $2,140 – $4,242 | $995 – $2,004 |
Estimates based on a 1,209-mile route from Portland, ME to Illinois. Pricing is refreshed monthly. Final costs shift based on home inventory, access, add-on services, fuel, and timing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Portland to Illinois
Full-service movers are the most convenient — and the most expensive. For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,284–$5,113. Two- or three-bedroom homes typically run $2,955–$6,791. Larger households (four-plus bedrooms) can push up to $9,185. The wide ranges are real: floor access, stairs, packing services, and exactly how much stuff you have all move the number considerably.
Cost of Moving Containers from Portland to Illinois
Moving containers offer a middle path — you load at your own pace, the company hauls the unit, you unload on your schedule. For a small load, expect $823–$2,013. Two- or three-bedroom moves run $1,565–$2,925. Larger households should budget $2,140–$4,242. This option makes the most sense if your Portland and Illinois timelines don't line up perfectly.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Portland to Illinois
A rental truck is usually your cheapest option on any interstate route, and this one's no exception. Studio/one-bedroom: $747–$1,396. Two or three bedrooms: $815–$1,709. Four-plus bedrooms: $995–$2,004. Those figures include estimated fuel costs. What they don't include: 1,200 miles of driving, loading, unloading, and however many nights of lodging it takes to get there.
Factors That Influence Moving Costs from Portland to Illinois
The cost of a Portland-to-Illinois move comes down to three main variables:
- Move size: More stuff means a bigger truck, more labor hours, and a higher bill. Decluttering before you pack isn't just a cliché — it genuinely moves the cost down.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. If you have flexibility, a fall or winter move typically means better availability and lower rates.
- DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck is cheapest but puts the physical burden of a 1,200-mile haul entirely on you. Professional movers cost more but handle the heavy lifting — literally.
What to Know Before Moving from Portland to Illinois
The financial argument for this move is straightforward. Portland's cost of living is higher than Illinois on nearly every front — and the comparison below puts exact numbers on that gap.
Cost of Living: Portland, ME vs. Illinois
| Portland, ME | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,991/mo | $1,179/mo |
| Average home price | $542,001 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $64,171 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What that actually means in practice:
- Rent in Illinois is roughly 41% cheaper than Portland. That's a meaningful monthly savings from day one.
- Home prices are about 54% lower in Illinois — significant if buying is on your radar.
- Per capita income in Illinois runs about 22% higher than in Portland, which compounds the cost-of-living advantage.
- The overall cost of living is about 20% lower in Illinois (index of 90 vs. 112 in Portland).
- Unemployment rates are nearly identical — 5.2% vs. 5.3% — so your employment prospects shouldn't take a hit.
- State income taxes are about 15% lower in Illinois than in Maine, which means more take-home pay without earning more.
How Life in Illinois Differs from Portland, ME
Beyond the finances, here's what actually changes day-to-day:
| Portland, ME | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50–48 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 79°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 11°F | 17°F |
| Annual rainfall | 49″ | 40″ |
| Annual snowfall | 61″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
- Scale: You're going from a city of 68,000 to a state of 12.5 million. If you're landing in or around Chicago, the density will be a real adjustment.
- Politics: Portland leaned Republican in the last presidential election (50–48). Illinois leaned Democratic (55–45).
- Summers run warmer — Illinois peaks around 86°F vs. Portland's 79°F. More outdoor activity, but higher cooling bills.
- Winters are actually milder. Illinois lows average 17°F vs. Portland's 11°F, and the snow difference is dramatic.
- Snowfall: Portland gets 61 inches per year. Illinois averages 22. For a lot of people, that alone justifies the move.
- Crime: Illinois comes in lower at 19.7 vs. Portland's 32.16. Worth noting — though neighborhood always matters more than statewide averages.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
A few practical things that tend to get overlooked until moving day:
- HOA rules: Check your new community's moving policies before you schedule anything. Some restrict move-in hours or require advance notice.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has one, book it early. Those slots fill up fast on weekends.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for moving trucks on street parking. Confirm with the municipality before your move date.
- State licensing: Illinois regulates household movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Companies doing local and intrastate moves need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify your mover has a current one before signing anything.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but local parking rules vary by city. Check in advance.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week out so your mail follows you on time.
- Moving insurance: Every mover must offer Released Value Protection — $0.60 per pound per item. For anything valuable, that's not enough. Ask about full-value protection or look into third-party moving insurance before your move date.
- Moving checklist: Work through a moving checklist early. It's easy to drop important steps when you're juggling a long-distance move.
Things to Do in Illinois
Before you arrive, here's a quick sense of what's there when you settle in.
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports Teams
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Portland to Illinois take?
Typically two to eight days, depending on service type and time of year. Summer moves push toward the longer end. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window — not just an estimate — and get it in writing before you book.
Which Portland movers offer custom crating?
Seven Portland-area movers offer custom crating for items like art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Always confirm that the materials and dimensions are appropriate for your specific item — don't assume it's a standard offering.
What's the best way to ship a car from Portland to Illinois?
If you're not driving it yourself, auto transport is the right call. Look for carriers with clean FMCSA records and verifiable route-specific reviews. Get multiple quotes — pricing varies significantly between carriers. You can start with our car shipping calculator to benchmark costs.
Why are people moving from Portland to Illinois?
Chicago is the primary draw — one of the largest job markets in the country, with a diverse economic base across finance, tech, healthcare, and logistics. The lower cost of living is a strong secondary factor, especially for people who've been priced out of the Portland housing market.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Portland?
Start with the five companies listed above and compare their quotes. Our guide to long-distance movers covers what to look for when evaluating interstate carriers and how to vet companies before committing.
Can I pay a Portland mover in cash?
Three Portland movers accept cash. That said, cash makes it harder to dispute charges or document a transaction if something goes wrong. Most movers require a deposit upfront, with the balance due at pickup or delivery — confirm the exact schedule before you sign.
Compare quotes from Portland movers before you commit to anyone. Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to get a solid baseline — then stack it against real quotes so you know what's fair on this route.