Best Portland to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Portland to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,239 mile move from Maine to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 19 Portland to Oakland 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $11,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland compared to Oakland. 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.
Best Portland to Oakland Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | SC Moving Services | 9.18 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
| 4 | Vacationland Moving | 9.02 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Portland to Oakland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,239 miles from Portland, ME to Oakland, CA will cost on average $4,536 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Oakland move is roughly $10,977. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,039 | 300 ft³ | 10.13 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,536 | 450 ft³ | 10.08 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,522 | 750 ft³ | 10.03 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,977 | 1100 ft³ | 9.98 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,887 | 1600 ft³ | 9.93 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $17,783 | 1800 ft³ | 9.88 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Portland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Portland to Oakland Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
You Move Me Portland
9442 SW Barbur Blvd
Portland, OR, 97219
About You Move Me Portland
You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2388358 / 820850 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2020) |
SC Moving Services
25 Augusta St
South Portland, ME, 04106
About SC Moving Services
SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2324405 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2016) |
Vacationland Moving
This listing has been claimed by Vacationland Moving1484 Maine St Apt 1
Poland, ME, 04274
About Vacationland Moving
Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest moving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3540196 / 1181718 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2024) |
Fairprice Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2192738 / 768242 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 89,000 (2022) |
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.
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.
Portland vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
By using your current city's neighborhoods as a baseline, this comparison aims to help you understand local neighborhoods between Portland, ME & Oakland, CA . This will ease your transition and make Oakland feel like home.
| Portland | Oakland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Old Port | Jack London Square | Waterfront, vibrant nightlife |
| West End | Rockridge | Historic homes, cozy vibe |
| Munjoy Hill | Piedmont | Artistic, bohemian atmosphere |
| Deering Center | Temescal | Family-friendly, community focus |
| Back Cove | Montclair | Scenic views, nearby parks |
| Rosemont | Glenview | Quiet, suburban feel |
| East Bayside | Fruitvale | Diverse community, cultural richness |
| Libbytown | Lower Hills | Urban convenience, ethnic eateries |
| Nason’s Corner | Oakmore | Residential, tree-lined streets |
| Riverton | Oakland Hills | Peaceful, green spaces |
If you're drawn to the historic charm and cozy vibe of Portland's West End, you'll likely find Rockridge in Oakland appealing with its period architecture and intimate cafes like Rockridge Market Hall. The vibrant arts scene of Munjoy Hill matches well with Piedmont, known for its creative community and venues such as the Piedmont Piano Company. Meanwhile, if you're accustomed to the family-friendly atmosphere of Deering Center, you'll appreciate Temescal's focus on community events and its selection of local parks like Temescal Park. Montclair's scenic beauty and accessibility to outdoor activities will resonate with those who enjoy Back Cove's tranquil setting and scenic trails.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Oakland
Considering a move from Portland, ME to Oakland, CA involves weighing both the upsides and downsides. These charts provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make a well-rounded decision on your journey from Portland, ME to Oakland, CA .
Portland, ME- Cold winters
- Limited nightlife
- Small job market
- Less diverse culture
Oakland, CA- Mild winters
- Vibrant nightlife
- Diverse job opportunities
- Cultural diversity
Oakland, CA- High cost of living
- Dense traffic
- Higher crime rates
- Fewer local specialties
Portland, ME- Charming atmosphere
- Coastal views
- Peaceful lifestyle
- Local seafood
In Oakland, you'll find a vibrant nightlife with popular spots like Starline Social Club and The Fox Theater, a stark contrast to Portland's quieter evenings. While the mild Californian winters are welcome, be prepared for Oakland’s traffic compared to Portland’s lighter flow. Oakland boasts diverse neighborhoods with distinct personalities, such as the artsy Uptown and serene Lake Merritt, offering ample choice of activities and sights. If you relish local seafood, the change might be noticeable, given Portland's abundance. Crime rates in Oakland are higher, so familiarize yourself with safe areas, but you'll also benefit from an enlivened cultural scene that vividly contrasts with Portland’s laid-back charm.
Portland vs. Oakland Food Guide
Food is an essential part of local culture and significantly influences what it's like to live in an area. By providing a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, ME & Oakland, CA , we aim to better inform you about the food scene where you are moving to.
| Portland | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Lobster Roll | Soul Food |
| Most popular meat dish | Clam Chowder | Barbecue Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Sushi Burrito | Taco |
| Most popular vegan food | Tofu Scramble | Vegan Burrito |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move from Portland to Oakland, you'll find a vibrant and diverse food scene awaiting you. While Portland is famous for its lobster rolls, especially in the Old Port District, Oakland's soul food, especially at places like Brown Sugar Kitchen in the West Oakland area, will offer you a rich, flavorful experience. Additionally, Oakland's abundance of food trucks, particularly in the Temescal neighborhood, will cater to all tastes, from tacos to gourmet vegan dishes. Both cities rank high on the foodie scale, but Oakland's slightly more vegan-friendly options give it an edge in accommodating plant-based diets.
Portland vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Food is important for making an area home. This comparison of restaurants in Portland, ME to Oakland, CA will help you find new favorite eateries by using your current hometown as a guide.
| Portland | Oakland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Fore Street | Commis | Farm-to-table fine dining with seasonal focus |
| Duckfat | Hopscotch | Elevated comfort food and casual bites |
| The Holy Donut | Donut Savant | Creative, artisanal donuts |
| Central Provisions | Penrose | Trendy, small plates and artisanal flavors |
| Eventide Oyster Co. | Seabreeze on the Dock | Fresh oysters and ocean-inspired dishes |
| Street & Co. | Shandong Restaurant | Renowned seafood with an Asian fusion twist |
| Hot Suppa | Brown Sugar Kitchen | Southern-inspired soul food and brunch |
| Becky's Diner | Lois the Pie Queen | Iconic, classic diner that's perfect for breakfast |
| Green Elephant | Souley Vegan | Global vegetarian flavors and comfort dishes |
| Flatbread Company | Zachary's Chicago Pizza | Organic, family-friendly pizza joint |
Embark on a culinary adventure by trying out new favorites from this list. At Commis, enjoy the artistry of farm-to-table dining akin to what Fore Street offers with its focus on locally sourced ingredients. When looking for something hearty yet refined, visit Hopscotch, which mirrors the elevated comfort food vibe of Duckfat. For a take on creative artisan donuts, Donut Savant will satisfy cravings previously sated by treats from The Holy Donut. Each establishment creates a bridge between your past dining experiences and new local flavors, helping make Oakland feel like your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's crucial to understand how Portland, ME and Oakland, CA compare in terms of housing costs, styles, and lifestyles. This comparison will provide insights to make a well-informed relocation decision.
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Water views, historic features | Backyards, proximity to tech hubs |
As you delve into the housing markets of Portland and Oakland, you'll notice that Portland offers a more affordable median home price, making it attractive for buyers seeking a quaint, coastal lifestyle. The Colonial architecture prevalent in Portland's historic neighborhoods speaks to its New England charm, while Oakland's Craftsman homes are celebrated for their artistry and historical significance. In Oakland, a higher urban lifestyle score reflects its vibrant community and close proximity to major tech hubs, offering a dynamic living experience. Whether it's the historic allure of Portland or the bustling energy of Oakland, understanding these nuances helps you choose your ideal place to call home.
Portland vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
When you're relocating from Portland , ME to Oakland , CA, familiarizing yourself with the weather differences will help you anticipate and adjust to the new climate. This comparison highlights critical factors like temperature variations, sunshine, and environmental conditions between these two distinct regions.
Portland, ME
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, ME
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Nor'easters | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
As you transition from Portland to Oakland, you'll notice the milder winter in Oakland, where temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees. The significant increase in sunshine may enhance your outdoor activities, although the air quality in Oakland occasionally reaches moderate levels due to wildfires. While Portland's snowstorms give way to Oakland's seismic activity, the lower rainfall in Oakland means fewer rainy days. This diverse shift in climate elements might initially seem challenging but offers new opportunities for different lifestyle adaptations.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Oakland
If you're considering a move from Portland, ME to Oakland, CA , understanding the financial distinctions can help you prepare for the lifestyle change. This comparison highlights key differences in cost of living between these two distinct cities, crucial for managing your financial expectations and planning accordingly.
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $70,244 | $82,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.5 | 139.1 |
| State Income Tax | 7.15 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.20 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 9.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Retail | Tech, Education, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | Highly |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Notable | Significant |
When transitioning from Portland to Oakland, the higher cost of living index indicates a notable increase in everyday expenses. Oakland’s average household income is higher, which may help accommodate these costs, but the state income tax is nearly double that of Maine, impacting take-home pay. Despite lower property tax rates in Oakland, the average sales tax is significantly higher than Portland's. While both cities offer job opportunities in education and healthcare, Oakland's booming tech industry provides additional employment avenues. It's essential to assess these financial factors to ensure a smooth transition to life in the vibrant Bay Area.
Portland vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities. Comparing the politics between Portland & Oakland , you'll get a sense of each city's unique cultural identity.
| Portland | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Largely liberal | Strong progressive presence |
| Local Politics | Focus on local environmental policies and small businesses | Emphasis on social justice and affordable housing |
| Religion | Predominantly secular with a mix of Christian denominations | Diverse religious views including a notable Buddhist community |
Moving from Portland, ME to Oakland, CA brings you into contact with the vibrant political scene of Oakland, known for its strong focus on social justice and affordable housing. While Portland is also liberal, it places a distinct emphasis on environmental issues. The religious landscape shifts as well, with Oakland showcasing a wide array of religious views, including a significant Buddhist community, a contrast to Portland’s more secular and Christian demographic. This diversity defines Oakland as a city where different belief systems coexist and enrich the cultural tapestry of the community.
Portland vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute can significantly impact your relocation experience. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Oakland will help you better anticipate changes in your daily life and navigate your new environment with ease.
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 35 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | Yes, but challenging |
Moving from Portland to Oakland, you'll notice a significant change in your commute times, with Oakland averaging 15 minutes longer than Portland. While public transit in Oakland is more extensive, ranked higher than Portland, it can still be a bit of a challenge to navigate completely without a car. Traffic congestion is notably higher in Oakland, which can impact not just your commute but also the time it takes to run errands or explore the city. Despite these differences, both cities offer viable public transit options, with local transit authorities like BART in Oakland providing valuable services for daily commuters.
Additional Resources
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