Get Quote

Moving to Portland in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Portland.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Portland.

Planning to move to Portland?

Portland, Maine, is a coastal, vibrant city with modern and historical charm. The city is located on Casco Bay and has easy access to beaches, boating, and other water activities. The cost of living in the city can be higher due to expensive housing. The city maintains a small-town feel despite its urban amenities. Portland experiences four distinct seasons, with cold and snowy winters. It also experiences coastal storms, which can bring significant snow. There are various opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. The economy of Portland is diverse, and it is considered a hub for the state’s economy. Before you move here, you must learn some other details about the city in this moving guide-

Quick Facts of Portland

Before moving to Portland, explore some interesting facts about the city-

Portland Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

Portland is renowned for its fresh seafood and thus called Seafood Mecca.

Portland embraces the farm-to-table movement with many restaurants that source ingredients locally.

Downtown Portland is very walkable and easily explored on foot.

The city hosts an annual lobster boat race that shows the speed and skills of local fishermen.

Portland is famous for Holy Donuts, which are unique potato donuts.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in Portland.

Top reasons to move to Portland

Before moving to a new city, find strong reasons to be there. So, when you move to Portland, find the reasons to move there like-

Quality of Life- Portland offers a high quality of life with easy access to nature and urban amenities. It is a city that is a great place to live for those who are looking for a relaxed lifestyle.

Outdoor recreation- There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, like hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

Sense of Community- The city has a friendly and welcoming environment with a strong emphasis on supporting local communities and businesses.

Walkable Downtown- Downtown Portland is very walkable, which makes it easy to explore shops, attractions, and restaurants on foot.

Cultural attractions- The city has a vibrant art and culture scene with museums, galleries, and live music venues.

Pros & Cons of Living in Portland

Before you move to Portland, learn about the pros and cons of the lifestyle of living there.

Pros of Living in Portland	Cons of Living in Portland
The city has an excellent food scene and a thriving beer scene	The cost of living in Portland is high due to expensive housing
The city offers a high quality of life with urban amenities and access to nature	Winters are long, snowy which can be challenging for some people
Portland is considered a clean and safe city	The influx of tourists during the summer can lead to higher prices and crowds
Portland Downtown is very walkable and easy to explore on foot	Public transportation is limited in the city
The city has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere	Property taxes can be high

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Portland, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Portland

Portland is known to have a diverse range of neighborhoods with unique features and attractions. Before moving, it is better to research these neighborhoods as they will be the first place to connect with the city. Here, we have provided details of some of the top neighborhoods in Portland-

Old Port- This neighborhood is the historic heart of Portland and is famous for vibrant nightlife, cobblestone streets, and a wide range of shops and restaurants. This is a bustling area and is highly preferred by those who want to be in the center of the action.

East End- It is an Eastern Promenade neighborhood with stunning waterfront views and a vibrant environment. This locality is known for its thriving food scene and outdoor recreational activities.

West End- This is an elegant neighborhood with Victorian architecture. It has tree-lined streets, charming parks, and a residential environment.

Back Cove- If you want to live in an area with a suburban feel, then move to this neighborhood. It is a residential area surrounding a scenic tidal basin with walking and biking trails.

Munjoy Hill- It is located on the easternmost part of the peninsula with historic charm and modern amenities.

Cost of living in Portland

The first step of researching the new city is to learn about its cost of living. The cost of living will be the base of your move as it will affect your finances. The cost of living in Portland tends to be higher than the national average, and the major significant contributor is housing costs. All other expenses are slightly higher than the national average, while housing processes are above average. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Portland-

Category	Portland (in USD)
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)	$1,700 - $2,000
Utilities	$150 - $250+
Groceries	$300 - $400+
Transportation	~$60
Healthcare	Varies greatly
Meals	$110.00 per meal

Housing Market in Portland

The housing market in Portland is the major factor contributing to the higher cost of living. The median sale price for a house in the city is around $580,000.

Average rental cost in Portland

The average rental cost in Portland ranges from $1,175 to $2,200. The number can vary depending on the size, location, amenities, and type of the property.

Portland job market

The job market of Portland portrays a dynamic picture with a blend of opportunities and challenges. The economy of the city is diverse, with strength in specific sectors. The job market in the city is healthy.

Top Career Options in Portland

There are several sectors in the city offering career opportunities. Before moving to Portland, learn about the career options, their average salary, and entry-level salary. Here is the statistics for the same-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary
Healthcare (Registered Nurse)	$70,000 - $90,000+	$55,000 - $65,000
Software Engineering	$80,000 - $120,000+	$60,000 - $75,000
Management (General Operations)	$60,000 - $90,000+	$40,000 - $55,000
Engineering (Civil/Mechanical)	$65,000 - $95,000+	$50,000 - $65,000
Business/Financial Operations	$60,000 - $85,000+	$45,000 - $60,000
Tourism/Hospitality (Management)	$45,000 - $70,000+	$30,000 - $40,000
Technical Writing	$82,873	Varies greatly

Median Salary in Portland

The median salary in Portland is around $63,893 per year.

Transportation And Navigation In Portland

The city offers a variety of transportation options that make it relatively easy to navigate for both residents and visitors.

Public Transportation- There are plenty of options for public transportation including Greater Portland METRO (public bus service), Casco Bay (ferry service), Amtrak Downeaster, and Concord Coach Lines. Several ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are available in Portland. There are car rental services to commute throughout the city. Navigation- The city is easy to navigate because of its street grid system. You can use GPS and navigation apps like Google Maps to navigate online.

Start Your Moving Quote Now!

Get multiple quotes from top professional movers now Start My Quote

Major industries in Portland

Portland is home to several major industries including

Healthcare

Tourism

Hospitality

Marine and Aquaculture

Outdoor recreation

Financial services

Technology

Manufacturing

Education System in Portland

A new city can be full of challenges, but you can eliminate some stress by finding a school or college for your children before moving. You can complete this important task on your moving checklist by exploring these schools, colleges, and universities of Portland before moving there-

Elementary Schools in Portland
East End Community School
Amanda C. Rowe Elementary School
Peaks Island Elementary School
Longfellow School
Harrison Lyseth Elementary School

Middle Schools in Portland
King Middle School
Lincoln Middle School
Lyman Moore Middle School
Waynflete School

High Schools in Portland
Portland High School
Deering High School
Casco Bay High School
Baxter Academy of Technology and Science
Waynflete School

Colleges and Universities in Portland
University of Southern Maine (USM)
Maine College of Art & Design
University of New England (UNE)
Bowdoin College
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Best things to do in Portland

The city offers a delightful mix of coastal charm and cultural attractions. After moving here, you can pick any of these options to explore Portland-

Visit the Old Port and explore the cobblestone streets featuring unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries.

Visit Portland Head Light which is an iconic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth.

Plan a tour to Victorian Mansion which is now a National Historic Landmark.

See Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

If you love art and culture, explore the Portland Museum of Art and catch live performances at local theaters.

There are several locations for outdoor recreation including Fort Williams Park, Eastern Promenade, and Casco Bay Islands.

Taxes in Portland

Residents of Portland are subject to a range of taxes at both state and local levels. Here is the breakdown of the primary taxes they pay in Portland-

Income Tax- Maine has a graduated income tax system which means the tax rates increase with the income. The tax rates range from 5.80% - 7.15%.

Sales Tax- Maine has a state sales tax applied when a resident purchases anything. There is no local sales tax in Portland and the state sales tax rate is 5.5%.

Property Tax- The property taxes in Portland depend on the assessed value of your property and the local tax rate which is 1.17%.

Excise Taxes- These taxes are levied on specific goods like gasoline and cigarettes.

Type of insurance required in Portland

Insurance is a necessary expense that should not be avoided. Portland has regulations related to state-mandated insurance and recommended coverage. Here is the breakdown for the insurance you need in Portland-

Auto Insurance- This is a mandatory insurance mandated by the law of Maine that all the drivers must carry minimum liability coverage. Here is the breakdown for the auto insurance-

Bodily Injury Liability:

$50,000 per person

$100,000 per accident

Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident.

Homeowners Insurance- This insurance is not strictly mandated by the state, but mortgage lenders typically require homeowners’ insurance as a condition of the loan.

Renters Insurance- If you rent, this insurance will cover the loss or damage caused to personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other covered perils.

Health Insurance- This insurance covers medical expenses including doctors’ visits, medicines, and hospital stays.

Disability Insurance- This insurance replaces your income in case you become disabled and cannot work.

Life Insurance- This insurance will support your family financially in case of your death.

Ready to start planning your move?

Tell us a little bit about your move and let us make your move simple. Start My Quote

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

State Moving Guides