Best Irvine to Salem Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Irvine to Salem and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 957 mile move from California to Oregon go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 22 Irvine to Salem moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Terry Moving & Storage), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Irvine compared to Salem. 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.

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Best Irvine to Salem Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
2Northwest Grace Moving9.289.28Authorized For HHGContact
3All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4NorthStar Moving Company9.218.97Authorized For HHGContact
5Trek Movers9.199.02Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Irvine to Salem

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 957 miles from Irvine, CA to Salem, OR will cost on average $2,595 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Irvine to Salem move is roughly $6,233. 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,745300 ft³5.82
1 Bedroom$2,595450 ft³5.77
2 Bedrooms$4,288750 ft³5.72
3 Bedrooms$6,2331100 ft³5.67
4 Bedrooms$8,9871600 ft³5.62
5+ Bedrooms$10,0201800 ft³5.57
*Please note: These California to Oregon moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Oregon. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to OR mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salem to Irvine guide.

Compare the 5 Best Irvine to Salem Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.28/10
based on 605+ data points

19764 Cypresswood St

Oregon City, OR, 97045

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
All Service Moving Logo

All Service Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 9,065+ data points

66 SE Morrison St

Portland, OR, 97214

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1863079 / 722865

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans80
Registered Drivers113
Total Annual Miles Moved1,186,786 (2022)
View Full Review
3
NorthStar Moving Company Logo

NorthStar Moving Company

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.21/10
based on 10,283+ data points

633 W 5th St 26th floor

Los Angeles, CA, 90071

About NorthStar Moving Company

Founded in 1994, Los Angeles-based NorthStar Moving Company treats all its customers as VIPs when helping them with local, intrastate, interstate,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • International Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1836576 / 665757

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved220,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Trek Movers Logo

Trek Movers

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 6,965+ data points

7225 Hollywood Blvd Unit 321

Los Angeles, CA, 90046

About Trek Movers

Trek Movers is a moving company based in Los Angeles, certified by the AMSA and accredited by the BBB with the...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Office Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3256910 / 1424894

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Irvine vs. Salem Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we'll compare the popular neighborhoods in Irvine, CA with Salem, OR, helping you find a new area that feels like home. Whether you're seeking a bustling community vibe or a tranquil retreat, this comparison aims to match your preferences with a similar neighborhood in your new city.

IrvineSalemHow They're Similar
WoodbridgeWest SalemFamily-friendly, access to nature
Turtle RockSouth SalemUpscale, scenic views
Quail HillFairmount ParkQuiet, trails, and green spaces
University ParkMorningsideDiverse, educational opportunities
NorthwoodSunnyslopeWelcoming, community-centric
Shady CanyonEnglewoodExclusive, ample greenery
WoodburyKeizerDynamic, shopping and parks
Portola SpringsFaye WrightQuiet, family-oriented
Great Park NeighborhoodsGrantInnovative, community activities
Irvine SpectrumCentral SalemBustling, nightlife and dining

If you're moving from Irvine's Woodbridge, known for its lakes and community pools, you'll find West Salem's embrace of nature and family-oriented environment a seamless transition. Similarly, Turtle Rock's panoramic views are mirrored in South Salem’s upscale neighborhoods, offering stunning vistas and peaceful surroundings. University Park residents will appreciate Morningside's diverse community and rich educational opportunities, reflecting their own neighborhood's emphasis on learning and cultural richness. Lastly, if Irvine Spectrum's lively atmosphere captivates you, Central Salem's vibrant nightlife and dining options will make you feel right at home, hosting a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues to explore.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Salem

  • Stroll through the colorful Bush's Pasture Park
  • Discover gothic horrors at Witch's Castle
  • Visit the Willamette National Forest
  • Book a ticket to an event at El Sinai Center
  • Explore craft brews at Gilgamesh Brewing
  • Enjoy a show at Elsinore Theatre
  • Join a Salem Saturday Market

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Irvine to Salem

Moving from one city to another is an adventure filled with contrasts, especially when the departure and destination cities are as different as Irvine, CA, and Salem, OR. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Irvine, CA to Salem, OR —helping you weigh the pros against the cons and vice versa with clarity.

CONs
PROs
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • High living cost
  • Limited seasons
  • Heavy traffic
  • Competitive job market
Salem, OR iconSalem, OR
  • More affordable
  • Distinct seasons
  • Less congestion
  • Expanding job opportunities
Salem, OR iconSalem, OR
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer restaurants
  • More rain
  • Less diversity
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Vibrant job market
  • Varied dining options
  • Abundant sunshine
  • Diverse communities

Moving from Irvine, with its year-round sunshine and thriving job scene, to Salem, offers a mix of pros and cons. In Salem, you'll find more affordable living, with neighborhoods like South Salem offering picturesque parks such as Minto-Brown Island Park—perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. Although Salem has fewer dining options than Irvine, gems like Word of Mouth Bistro provide a culinary experience that rivals big-city establishments. Furthermore, Salem's expanding job market, particularly in sectors like government and agriculture, presents new opportunities despite its smaller scale compared to Irvine's varied industries. Embracing Salem's distinct seasons after living in the near-constant sunshine of Irvine presents an exciting change, with the vibrancy of fall and the bloom of spring offering a refreshing contrast.

Irvine vs. Salem Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Irvine, CA & Salem, OR, highlighting the significance of food as a crucial aspect of local culture and daily life. By examining the differences in food scenes, you can gain a better understanding of what culinary delights await you in your new locale.

IrvineSalem
Most iconic local food itemTacosMarionberry Pie
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQPacific Northwest Salmon
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosFarmers Market Crepes
Most popular vegan foodVegan RamenVegan Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Haidilao Hot Pot
  • Din Tai Fung
  • Habuya Okinawan Dining
  • Word of Mouth Bistro
  • Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant
  • Busick Court Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Irvine, the diversity of Asian cuisines, particularly Korean and Japanese, offers a plethora of dining options, such as the renowned Haidilao Hot Pot and Din Tai Fung, known for its exquisite soup dumplings. The city's love for tacos, including from food trucks, showcases California's rich Latino culinary heritage. Whereas in Salem, the focus is more on the fresh, locally-sourced produce and ingredients, with the Marionberry pie being a beloved local specialty. Salem's food scene is anchored by establishments like Word of Mouth Bistro, where comfort food meets innovation. Both cities value health and offer a good range of vegan options, but Irvine's foodie scene is slightly more vibrant, partly due to its larger population and cultural diversity.

Irvine vs. Salem Restaurant Comparison

Finding culinary gems plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Irvine and Salem is aimed at guiding you towards your new favorite eateries, using familiar spots from your current city as the starting point.

IrvineSalemWhat You'll Love
HabanaCubanisimo VineyardsCuban-inspired cuisine and ambiance
Taco RosaTaqueria Los PanditasAuthentic tacos and Mexican fare
Cucina EnotecaDaVinci RistoranteClassic Italian dishes with a Pacific Northwest twist
Din Tai FungKwan's CuisineRenowned for dumplings and Asian dishes
Mendocino FarmsWord of Mouth BistroKnown for sandwiches and farm-fresh ingredients
Sidecar DoughnutsBigwig DonutsHandmade, artisanal donuts with unique flavors
North ItaliaGamberetti's Italian RestaurantFresh, handmade pasta and Italian favorites
Portola Coffee LabGovernor's Cup Coffee RoastersExceptional coffee and a cozy atmosphere
Pho Saigon PearlPho ThaoAuthentic Vietnamese broth and noodle delights
Sushi MurasakiKyo SushiSushi and Japanese dishes with a creative flair

For those who relish in the vibrant and diverse food scene of Irvine, the transition to Salem comes with an exciting array of culinary parallels that promise to satisfy your palate. Cubanisimo Vineyards offers a taste of Cuba that echoes the lively spirit of Habana, while Word of Mouth Bistro captures the essence of Mendocino Farms with its focus on sandwiches crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. Similarly, the transition from enjoying the fresh, artisanal doughnuts at Sidecar Doughnuts to indulging in the unique and handcrafted creations at Bigwig Donuts epitomizes how the Salem dining scene can evoke the comforting and familiar experiences of Irvine's favorites, ensuring that your culinary explorations in Salem will be as enriching as those you cherished back home.

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Ready to start your move?

Irvine vs. Salem Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial part of moving. Examining how Irvine, CA and Salem, OR measure up against each other in terms of housing cost, architecture, and lifestyle can offer valuable insights into your relocation decision.

ComparisonIrvineSalem
Typical Architecture StyleModern and SpanishCraftsman and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEco-friendly features, proximity to tech jobsLarge lots, historic charm

Moving from Irvine, with its modern homes and high cost of living, to Salem, where historic charm and more affordable housing prevail, represents a significant lifestyle shift. In Salem, the focus on large lots and the city's historic charm contrasts with Irvine's emphasis on eco-friendly features and the proximity to tech jobs. This reflects the broader cultural and lifestyle differences between the two cities. Salem's higher walkability and bikeability scores suggest a more community-focused, accessible living environment, potentially offering a more relaxed pace of life compared to Irvine’s more urban, car-dependent setting.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salem, OR

1. West Salem: This area is highly pet-friendly due to its numerous walking trails such as Wallace Marine Park and pet services like Taylor Street OB/GYN Veterinary Clinic.

2. South Salem: Your pet will enjoy South Salem's selection of pet-friendly restaurants and services, including All-In-One Pet Grooming and Garry's Pub which has a pet-friendly patio.

3. Morningside: Known for its large number of dog-friendly parks such as Morningside City Park, this neighborhood also hosts a favorite pet supply store, Petco.

Irvine vs. Salem Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Irvine, CA, to Salem, OR, it's crucial to consider how the climate will shift. This comparison aims to prepare you for the weather differences you'll encounter, ensuring a smoother transition. Understanding these changes is essential for adjusting your lifestyle and wardrobe to fit your new home in Irvine and Salem.

Summer icon
83°F / 64°F

Irvine, CA

82°F / 53°F

Salem, OR

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F / 47°F

Irvine, CA

48°F / 37°F

Salem, OR

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13"

Irvine, CA

39"

Salem, OR

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Irvine, CA

3"

Salem, OR

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIrvineSalem
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresWildfires, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Upon moving from Irvine to Salem, you'll notice significant differences, especially in terms of sunshine and rainfall. Salem experiences significantly fewer sunny days but a higher amount of annual rainfall, which contributes to its lush greenery. The humidity in Salem is also notably higher, potentially affecting how you spend your outdoor time. Adjust your wardrobe to include more rainproof items and prepare for cooler, damper winters. Air quality and UV index differences further emphasize the need for adjustments in daily routines and protection against the elements.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Salem

When planning a move, it's crucial to weigh the financial differences between your current and future home. This chart offers a clear comparison of essential money and finance topics when moving from Irvine, CA to Salem, OR, helping you understand what to expect financially.

ComparisonIrvineSalem
Avg. Household Income$105,774$63,927
Cost of Living Index136.4110.55
State Income Tax9.39.9
Avg. Property Tax0.721.18
Avg. Sales Tax7.750 (Oregon has no sales tax)
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, Health ServicesGovernment, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceFortunateModerate
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

While Irvine boasts a significantly higher average household income and a more affluent economic status than Salem, its cost of living index is notably higher as well. Moreover, despite Oregon's higher state income tax, Salem residents benefit from no sales tax, providing a cost advantage in everyday purchases when compared to Irvine. However, the average property tax rate in Salem is higher, which is an essential factor to consider for homeowners. Understanding these contrasts and preparing financially can ease your transition between these two cities.

Irvine vs. Salem Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider relocating from Irvine, CA to Salem, OR, understanding the comparison of the politics between Irvine & Salem and their religious communities offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot crucial for your move. This comparison will equip you with knowledge of what to expect from your new home in terms of its political and religious landscape.

IrvineSalem
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsCity Council governanceCity Council governance
ReligionDiverse, with Christian and non-Christian faithsDiverse, Christian majority but significant non-Christian communities

Both Irvine and Salem are governed by City Councils, reflecting a level of similarity in local governance despite differing political leanings. While Irvine has a tendency to lean more conservative, Salem is generally more liberal in its political makeup. This can influence local policies, community engagement, and the overall social atmosphere. The religious landscape in both cities is diverse, but with a Christian majority. However, you'll find significant non-Christian communities in both, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're engaging in local politics or seeking a community of faith, both cities offer welcoming environments for newcomers.

Irvine vs. Salem Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Irvine, CA to Salem, OR? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Irvine & Salem will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, easing your transition between these two distinctive cities.

ComparisonIrvineSalem
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2523
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingPossible, but limited

In Irvine, your daily commute times might be slightly longer due to higher traffic congestion levels compared to Salem. While public transportation exists, Irvine's sprawling layout makes it difficult to rely solely on this mode of transit, marking car ownership almost a necessity for convenience. On the other hand, Salem offers marginally shorter commute times and less traffic congestion, making for a smoother daily travel experience. However, similar to Irvine, while it's more possible to get by without a car in Salem, the experience can be limiting due to the less robust public transit system compared to major urban centers.

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