Best Oakland to Portland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Oakland to Portland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 629 mile move from California to Oregon go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 Oakland to Portland moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Oakland compared to Portland. 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 Oakland to Portland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Northwest Grace Moving9.299.28Authorized For HHGContact
3All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
5Upline Moving8.608.62Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Oakland to Portland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 629 miles from Oakland, CA to Portland, OR will cost on average $2,316 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Oakland to Portland move is roughly $5,552. 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$1,559300 ft³5.20
1 Bedroom$2,316450 ft³5.15
2 Bedrooms$3,823750 ft³5.10
3 Bedrooms$5,5521100 ft³5.05
4 Bedrooms$7,9951600 ft³5.00
5+ Bedrooms$8,9041800 ft³4.95
*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 Portland to Oakland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Oakland to Portland Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.29/10
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
Fairprice Movers Logo

Fairprice Movers

Superb8.87/10
based on 325+ data points

Berkeley, CA, 94720

About Fairprice Movers

Established in 2012, Fairprice Movers is a moving company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company offers a highly personalized moving...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2192738 / 768242

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved89,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Upline Moving Logo

Upline Moving

Fabulous8.60/10
based on 3,350+ data points

30956 San Clemente St

Hayward, CA, 94544

About Upline Moving

For smooth local, statewide, and nationwide residential relocations, Upline Moving is your trusted partner. Based in Hayward, it serves the community...

Services

  • Residential movers
  • Long distance movers
  • Local movers

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1881933 / 678648

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2012)
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.

Oakland vs. Portland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can often feel like stepping into the unknown, especially when it's to a city you're not familiar with. To ease this transition, we've prepared a comparison of local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & Portland, OR . This guide aims to help you find a new neighborhood that mirrors the charm, community, and vibe of your current one, making your move as seamless as possible.

OaklandPortlandHow They're Similar
RockridgeNob HillVibrant shopping & dining
TemescalAlberta Arts DistrictBooming arts scene
Piedmont AvenueMississippi AvenueEclectic mix of shops
MontclairHillsdaleSerene residential area
Jack London SquarePearl DistrictWaterfront & nightlife
Grand LakeHawthorneDiverse & lively community
Lake MerrittLaurelhurstScenic lake & park area
West OaklandSt. JohnsHistoric with a strong community vibe
North OaklandRichmondFamily-friendly & vibrant
Adams PointSellwood-MorelandCharming & walkable

In moving from Oakland's bustling Grand Lake neighborhood, known for its weekend farmers' market and proximity to Lake Merritt, you'll find a kindred spirit in Portland's Hawthorne District. Hawthorne offers a dynamic atmosphere where eclectic shops, mouth-watering restaurants like Apizza Scholls, and a mix of vintage and modern influences thrive. Similarly, if the historic and tight-knit feel of West Oakland appeals to you, St. Johns in Portland will instantly feel like home, with its iconic bridge, community events, and spots like the McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub adding to its charm. Both neighborhoods exemplify how community warmth and local gems can create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for anyone looking to start afresh.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Portland

  • Hike in Forest Park
  • Stroll through Portland Japanese Garden
  • Enjoy food carts at various locations
  • Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
  • Explore Powell's City of Books
  • Sample brews on a craft brewery tour
  • Watch a movie at Cinema 21

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Portland

Moving from Oakland, CA to Portland, OR is a significant change, with each city showcasing its unique charm and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, enabling you to weigh your decisions carefully. By examining both the pros and cons, you can prepare for the new experiences that Portland has to offer, while also appreciating what you might miss about Oakland.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher Crime Rates
  • Costly Living Expenses
  • Heavy Traffic
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Lower Crime Rates
  • More Affordable
  • Improved Transit Options
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • More Rainfall
  • Less Diverse
  • Smaller Arts Scene
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Warmer Climate
  • Vibrant Diversity
  • Rich Cultural Scene

Moving from Oakland to Portland introduces you to new experiences while leaving behind some familiar comforts. Oakland's vibrant communities like Temescal and Rockridge are bustling with diverse restaurants and shops, such as Cholita Linda and Rockridge Market Hall. On arriving in Portland, you'll discover neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District and Pearl District, where arts and culture thrive but in a different context. Portland's famous spots like Powell's City of Books and the natural beauty of Forest Park offer unique alternatives to the urban vibe of Oakland. Though Portland sees more rain, this contributes to the lush greenery and outdoor activities that are available year-round, creating a beautiful environment for newcomers to explore.

Oakland vs. Portland Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Portland, two vibrant cities each with their own unique food scenes. Understanding the nuances of local cuisine can deeply influence your perspective on what it's like to live there. Here, we aim to offer insights that will help you navigate your culinary journey in your new city.

OaklandPortland
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadDonuts
Most popular meat dishBBQ BrisketPork Belly
Most popular street food itemTacosFood Carts' Fusion Cuisine
Most popular vegan foodImpossible BurgerVegan BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Shake Well
  • Commis
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • Voodoo Doughnut
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Oakland, the diverse and vibrant food scene is palpable in neighborhoods like Uptown and Jack London Square, where you can savor everything from the innovative Impossible Burger to authentic BBQ Brisket. Over in Portland, the city's legendary food cart pods, such as those along Hawthorne Boulevard, offer a plethora of inventive vegan options and global cuisines, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Iconic spots like Voodoo Doughnut and Pok Pok capture the city's eclectic and adventurous culinary spirit. Whether it’s the health-conscious eateries of Oakland or the vegan havens and food truck abundance in Portland, both cities offer a distinct taste that reflects their cultural and regional uniqueness.

Oakland vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison

When moving to a new city, finding places that make you feel at home is essential, especially when it comes to food. This restaurant comparison between Oakland and Portland is designed to help you discover your next favorite dining spots, drawing parallels with familiar favorites from your current hometown.

OaklandPortlandWhat You'll Love
CommisLe PigeonBoth are intimate spaces offering innovative and artfully presented dishes.
ShakewellTuskMiddle Eastern influences with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Brown Sugar KitchenScreen DoorBoth celebrate soulful, comfort food making them local brunch favorites.
PizzaioloLovely’s Fifty FiftyArtisanal pizzas and a focus on seasonal toppings.
Ramen ShopAfuri Ramen + DumplingExceptional ramen with a focus on quality broth and ingredients.
Everett & Jones BBQPodnah’s Pit BBQBoth committed to the craft of smoked meats and traditional sides.
The Cook and Her FarmerOlympia Oyster BarA focus on seafood and farm-to-table dining experiences.
Donut SavantBlue Star DonutsGourmet donuts with unique flavors and quality ingredients.
MägoToro BravoBoth offer a creative and modern take on their respective cuisines.
OrdinaireNatural Wine Co.Natural wines and a convivial atmosphere for wine lovers.

Exploring new dining scenes can be an adventure, and this comparison offers a roadmap for you. For instance, just as Commis provides an exquisite dining experience in Oakland, Le Pigeon in Portland offers a similar culinary adventure with its innovative dishes. If you’re missing the cozy yet sophisticated vibe of Shakewell, Tusk’s Middle-Eastern influenced menu and emphasis on fresh, local produce will warmly welcome you to Portland. For those who have enjoyed the soulful, comfort food from Brown Sugar Kitchen, Screen Door awaits with its hearty, Southern-inspired dishes, ensuring you won't miss out on the flavors you've grown to love. You’ll find that each Portland restaurant not only mirrors the essence of your Oakland favorites but also introduces its unique charm, making your transition exciting and flavorful.

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Ready to start your move?

Oakland vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future cities is crucial. This comparison between Oakland and Portland will highlight the key factors to consider in terms of housing . It will give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in both cities, helping you make an informed decision for your relocation.

ComparisonOaklandPortland
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, CraftsmanNorthwest, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingBay views, proximity to San FranciscoAccess to nature, sustainable features

Both Oakland and Portland offer unique appeals in their housing markets. Oakland, with its Victorian and Craftsman homes, often features listings that boast of stunning Bay views and proximity to San Francisco, reflecting its urban edge. Portland, on the other hand, emphasizes access to nature and sustainable living, with its Northwest and Craftsman architectural styles. Notably, Portland edges out Oakland slightly in walkability and bikeability, which might appeal to you if an active, outdoors-oriented lifestyle is what you're after. Additionally, while both cities value an urban lifestyle, the cost of living in Portland—in terms of both home prices and rent—is notably lower, potentially offering you a more affordable move without sacrificing the vibrant lifestyle you're accustomed to.

Oakland vs. Portland Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Oakland, CA to Portland, OR, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares. This comparison will help you adapt more easily to your new environment, ensuring you're prepared for the different weather conditions you will experience. Knowing the differences between Oakland and Portland's climate can significantly affect your daily life and seasonal activities.

Summer icon
75°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

80°F / 58°F

Portland, OR

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.5"

Oakland, CA

36.03"

Portland, OR

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Oakland, CA

4.3"

Portland, OR

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonOaklandPortland
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresEarthquakes, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Oakland to Portland means preparing for cooler winters and wetter conditions overall. While Oakland enjoys a mildly warm climate with plenty of sunshine, Portland's climate is characterized by more rainfall, especially during the winter months, leading to lush, green landscapes but requiring different wardrobe choices. The higher annual rainfall in Portland can significantly impact outdoor activities and lifestyle, making it essential to plan accordingly. Additionally, Portland experiences a higher humidity level than Oakland throughout the year, which can affect your daily comfort and may require a period of adjustment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Portland

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to evaluate how the cost of living and financial landscape will shift. This comparison between Oakland and Portland offers a clear perspective on the economic differences you'll encounter, focusing on income, taxes, and housing to guide your financial planning effectively.

ComparisonOaklandPortland
Avg. Household Income$82,236$79,057
Cost of Living Index139.1111.3
State Income Tax9.39.9
Avg. Property Tax0.790.91
Avg. Sales Tax9.250 (Oregon has no sales tax)
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, EducationTechnology, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceModerately affluentVaries widely
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessHighVery high

Transitioning from Oakland to Portland, you'll notice a meaningful difference in the cost of living, with Portland being notably less expensive despite Oregon's slightly higher state income tax rate. However, the absence of a sales tax in Oregon can offset this discrepancy for many residents. Property taxes are marginally higher in Portland, reflecting Oregon's investment in public services. It's also crucial to consider the industry landscape and employment opportunities. Both cities have thriving technology sectors, but Portland's lack of sales tax and its unique industrial mix, including significant manufacturing, contribute to its distinct economic environment. While affluence levels and poverty rates show some variation, homelessness represents a critical issue in both urban areas, underscoring the need for comprehensive social services and affordable housing solutions.

Oakland vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Oakland, CA to Portland, OR, it's helpful to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, helping you gauge the compatibility with your own viewpoints and lifestyle.

OaklandPortland
Political Make-upLiberal/ProgressiveLiberal/Progressive
Local PoliticsStrong emphasis on community activism and social justiceHighly engaged with environmental sustainability and social equity
ReligionDiverse; ranges from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, to non-affiliatedNotably secular, but with a variety of religious communities including Christian, Buddhist, Pagan, and others

The cultural landscapes of Oakland and Portland share similarities in their liberal political leanings, providing an inviting atmosphere for those seeking communities that prioritize progressivism. Oakland is renowned for its vibrant community activism and strong emphasis on social justice initiatives, which resonates well with Portland's own commitment to environmental sustainability and social equity. On the religious spectrum, both cities showcase a rich tapestry of beliefs, from major world religions to non-affiliated spiritual practices. Despite Portland's notable secular leanings, you'll find a welcoming variance of religious and spiritual communities, aligning with Oakland's own diverse spiritual makeup. This comparison sheds light on the shared values and unique nuances that make both cities stand out as culturally rich, inclusive communities.

Oakland vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Oakland, CA to Portland, OR requires an understanding of the differences in daily commuting habits and traffic. This comparison will give you a better grasp of what the daily commute and traffic are like between Oakland & Portland.

ComparisonOaklandPortland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3525
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingEasier compared to Oakland

In Oakland, you're likely to find yourself stuck in traffic for longer periods, with the city scoring a high 8 out of 10 in congestion. On the contrary, Portland presents a somewhat smoother experience with a congestion score of 6. Despite this, Portland triumphs over Oakland in terms of public transit availability, making it more feasible to navigate the city with options like TriMet without the constant need for a vehicle. This difference enhances the appeal of Portland for those seeking to leave their car behind and embrace public transportation or biking as part of their daily routine.

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