## MoveFinders — AI Information Page
URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/portland-to-il
AI Information URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/portland-to-il/ai-information

## Page Overview
Title: Moving from Portland, ME to Illinois: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
Description: Moving from Portland, ME to Illinois? Get real cost ranges ($1,284–$9,185), top mover rankings, and a full cost-of-living breakdown for this 1,209-mile route.
Category: Moving route guide
Published: 2026-08-30
Last Updated: 2026-08-30

## Author
Name: Sean Sullivan
Role: Senior Research Analyst
Bio: Sean has spent over a decade analyzing the moving industry, helping thousands of families find reliable movers. His research has been featured in Forbes, TIME, and Consumer Reports.

## SEO Keywords
moving from Portland ME to Illinois, Portland to Illinois movers, Portland Maine moving cost, long-distance movers Portland Maine, cost to move from Portland to Illinois, Portland ME to Illinois moving companies, interstate movers Portland

## Content

# 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](/best/long-distance-movers) 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.

1. **TWO MEN AND A TRUCK** — 4.52 / 5
2. **Bisson Moving & Storage** — 4.44 / 5
3. **Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine** — 4.38 / 5
4. **Allen & Coles Moving Systems** — 4.34 / 5
5. **Integrity Movers** — 4.22 / 5

---

### TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
**24 Bridgton Road, Westbrook, ME 04092**

- MoveFinders rating: 4.5 / 5
- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/two-men-and-a-truck-portland-westbrook-2) (15) · [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=TWO+MEN+AND+A+TRUCK+portland+maine#lrd=0x4cb29aeb78ee134d:0x4f9f220bc48b0eb9,1,,,) (209)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/westbrook/profile/moving-companies/two-men-and-a-truck-portland-0021-541217)
- **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](/movers/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](https://www.yelp.com/biz/bisson-moving-and-storage-westbrook) (16) · [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=BBB+Bisson+Moving+%26+Storage+85+Eisenhower+Drive+Westbrook) (67)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/westbrook/profile/moving-companies/bisson-transportation-inc-0021-21885)
- **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](https://www.yelp.com/biz/liberty-bell-moving-and-storage-portland-6) (57) · [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=BBB+Liberty+Bell+Moving+%26+Storage+of+Maine+portland+maine#lrd=0x4cb29c85b8aaf5dd:0x28c60eac5321d8dc,1,,,) (147)
- [BBB: Grade B−](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/portland/profile/moving-companies/liberty-bell-moving-storage-inc-0021-116146)
- **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](https://www.yelp.com/biz/allen-and-coles-moving-systems-hudson?osq=Allen+%26+Coles+Moving+Systems) (4)
- [BBB: Grade B−](https://www.bbb.org/us/nh/hudson/profile/moving-companies/allen-coles-moving-systems-0051-15000271)
- **86% positive / 13% negative** across 194 reviews

Allen & Coles operates as an agent for [North American Van Lines](/company/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](https://www.yelp.com/biz/integrity-movers-scarborough-2?osq=integrity+movers) (44)
- [BBB: Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/portland/profile/moving-companies/movers-in-portland-maine-0021-541215)
- **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](/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](/best/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](/best/truck-rentals) 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](/movers/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](/resources/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](/best/car-shipping) 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](/calculator/car-shipping) 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](/best/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](/calculator) to get a solid baseline — then stack it against real quotes so you know what's fair on this route.

## About MoveFinders
MoveFinders (movefinders.org) is an independent moving company research and comparison site.
We help people find trustworthy movers with unbiased reviews, cost estimates, and expert guidance.
Contact: https://movefinders.org/contact
Methodology: https://movefinders.org/methodology