Best Portland to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from Portland to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,200 mile move from Maine to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 24 Portland to San Diego 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 The Rock Movers), 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 San Diego. 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 San Diego Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | SC Moving Services | 9.18 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | Vacationland Moving | 9.02 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Portland to San Diego
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,200 miles from Portland, ME to San Diego, CA will cost on average $4,502 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to San Diego move is roughly $10,896. 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 | $3,017 | 300 ft³ | 10.06 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,502 | 450 ft³ | 10.01 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,467 | 750 ft³ | 9.96 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,896 | 1100 ft³ | 9.91 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,769 | 1600 ft³ | 9.86 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $17,650 | 1800 ft³ | 9.81 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Portland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Portland to San Diego Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
The Rock Movers
7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306
San Diego, CA, 92111
About The Rock Movers
The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
2020 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA, 92108
About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |
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) |
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. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Planning a move from one city to another can be daunting, especially when trying to navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods. This helpful guide aims to ease your transition from Portland, ME & San Diego, CA by providing a comparison of the top neighborhoods in each city to help you find your perfect fit.
| Portland | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Old Port | Gaslamp Quarter | Vibrant nightlife and historic buildings |
| East End | La Jolla | Scenic views and upscale dining |
| West End | Hillcrest | Charming historic vibe and eclectic dining |
| Back Cove | Mission Bay | Waterfront recreation and family-friendly |
| North Deering | North Park | Residential feel with local charm |
| Munjoy Hill | Point Loma | Local culture and stunning vistas |
| Deering Center | Normal Heights | Community-centered with family appeal |
| Bayside | Little Italy | Revitalized area with arts and eateries |
| Libbytown | Kensington | Cozy atmosphere and local eateries |
| Valley Street | University Heights | Academic vibe and eclectic shops |
It’s easy to fall in love with Old Port's timeless charm, featuring historic architecture and a bustling nightlife, which you can find mirrored in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. If you enjoy the outdoor beauty and community feel of East End’s Eastern Promenade, La Jolla offers breathtaking coastal scenery and the world-renowned La Jolla Cove. For those who appreciate the historic and eclectic dining options of the West End, Hillcrest is perfect with its vibrant mix of cafes like The Original Pancake House and unique boutiques. Meanwhile, Back Cove’s waterfront charm is beautifully reflected in Mission Bay Park, ideal for family recreation and enjoyment of San Diego's sunny weather.
Things to Do in San Diego
Visit the San Diego Zoo- Tour the USS Midway Museum
- Explore Balboa Park
- Relax at Coronado Beach
- Dine in Little Italy
- Experience SeaWorld San Diego
- Play golf at Torrey Pines
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to San Diego
When deciding to relocate from Portland, ME to San Diego, CA, it's crucial to weigh the
pros and cons of each city to ensure a smooth transition. This comparison is designed to offer
an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make
an informed decision.
Portland, ME- Harsh winters
- Limited job market
- Fewer direct flights
- Shorter summers
- Limited nightlife
San Diego, CA- Mild climate
- Diverse opportunities
- Major airport hub
- Year-round warmth
- Vibrant scene
San Diego, CA- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Distance from family
- Earthquake risk
- No fall foliage
Portland, ME- Cozy community
- Less traffic
- Fresh seafood
- Rich history
- Quaint neighborhoods
Relocating to San Diego from Portland, ME, offers a significant climate upgrade with
year-round mild weather, perfect for exploring the outdoors, but you may miss the cozy
community of Portland. The vibrant nightlife in San Diego, especially in places like
Gaslamp Quarter, contrasts with the quieter nights
in Portland. Meanwhile, exploring delightful eateries from
The Portland Palate might be a
thing of the past as you transition to San Diego’s rich food scene, such as
Hodad's for a taste of Californian burgers.
Although you may encounter more traffic on San Diego's highways, the diversity of
neighborhoods and attractions like Balboa Park
ensure there's always something new to explore and enjoy.
Portland vs. San Diego Food Guide
Food is an essential part of experiencing local culture and can greatly influence what it feels like to live in an area. In this comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, ME and San Diego, CA, you'll gain insight into the unique flavors and food scenes you can expect when moving to your new home.
| Portland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Lobster Roll | Fish Taco |
| Most popular meat dish | Duck | Carnitas |
| Most popular street food item | Clam Chowder | Carne Asada Fries |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Chowder | 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) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
San Diego's food scene is as vibrant as its beaches. Neighborhoods like North Park and the Gaslamp Quarter are hotspots for popular street food items such as carne asada fries and fish tacos. For a unique culinary experience, visiting the top establishments like NINE-TEN and the trendy Cucina enoteca in Del Mar will reveal how diverse the city's dining scene can be. Considering how vegan-friendly San Diego is, you'll find an array of cafes and restaurants catering to plant-based diets, with options as varied as vegan burritos and beyond.
Portland vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
As you transition from Portland, ME to San Diego, CA, exploring the culinary landscape is crucial to make San Diego feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants in Portland to those in San Diego will guide you in finding new favorite eateries.
| Portland | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Fore Street | Trust Restaurant | Acclaimed for its wood-fired dishes and seasonal ingredients |
| Eventide Oyster Co. | Irazu Coastal Culinary | Exceptional seafood and exquisite oyster offerings |
| Duckfat | The Crack Shack | Renowned for its casual vibe and inventive comfort food |
| Central Provisions | Juniper & Ivy | Celebrated for shared plates with a modern twist |
| Street & Co. | Point Loma Seafood | Offers fresh seafood with an oceanfront view |
| Hot Suppa | Hash House A Go Go | Famous for hearty American brunches |
| Scales Restaurant | Born & Raised | Known for its upscale steak and seafood selections |
| Empire Chinese Kitchen | Dumpling Inn | Offers traditional dim sum and Chinese fare |
| Honey Paw | Cross Street Chicken and Beer | Fuses Asian and American dishes in a casual setting |
| Becky's Diner | Hodad’s | A classic diner vibe with award-winning burgers |
When you're craving an upscale dining experience similar to Portland's renowned Fore Street, you'll find satisfaction at Trust Restaurant in San Diego, known for its inventive cuisine and rustic elegance. For seafood lovers missing the taste of Eventide Oyster Co., Irazu Coastal Culinary offers a delightful array of oyster delicacies that bring a taste of Portland to California's shores. And when you're longing for the cozy comfort of Duckfat, The Crack Shack provides a comforting and casual dining atmosphere with its creative takes on familiar comfort food, ensuring your culinary adventures in San Diego are both nostalgic and exciting.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most significant aspects of a move. It's crucial to understand how Portland, ME and San Diego, CA compare in terms of housing to make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Spanish Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to Old Port District | Ocean views, access to La Jolla Cove |
Moving from Portland to San Diego brings intriguing differences in housing style and lifestyle attributes. While Portland boasts charming Colonial architecture, San Diego is renowned for its Spanish Revival homes, offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. Though both cities are relatively affordable in East and West Coast terms respectively, San Diego's market comes with significantly higher prices. In terms of lifestyle, San Diego ranks higher for urban experiences, which might be appealing if you're seeking vibrant cultural and dining scenes. Consider exploring the historical Old Port District in Portland or the stunning coastal views at La Jolla Cove when deciding on the most suitable location for you.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA
1. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach features Dog Beach, where your furry friends can play off-leash in the surf and sand.
2. North Park: A neighborhood that embraces pet owners, North Park offers several pet-friendly dining options and the Morley Field Dog Park for off-leash fun.
3. Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood not only has multiple pet-friendly patios for dining but also hosts the annual Little Italy Doggie Street Festival, celebrating pets and their families.
Portland vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather in Portland, ME compares to what you're used to in San Diego, CA . This helps in adjusting to your new environment smoothly and knowing what to expect with seasonal changes.
Portland, ME
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, ME
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Winter Storms | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Adjusting from Portland's snowy winters to San Diego's mild climate is one of the most noticeable changes you'll experience. You might long for the annual snowfall that characterizes Portland's winter months, but San Diego offers plenty of sunshine, which can be a delightful change if you prefer outdoor activities. Natural disasters also differ; while Portland grapples with winter storms, you'll need to be more mindful of wildfires and earthquakes in the San Diego area. Although the air quality is generally moderate in San Diego, the city enjoys a lower overall humidity compared to Portland, which can provide a different comfort level throughout the year.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to San Diego
If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This chart provides a snapshot of key money and finance topics between Portland, ME and San Diego, CA , helping you make informed decisions about your move.
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $70,244 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.5 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 7.15 | 12.30 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.25 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.50 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Tourism, Marine | Military, Tourism, Tech |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
When relocating from Portland to San Diego, you'll notice a substantial increase in the cost of living, with San Diego's index significantly higher. Additionally, while Portland boasts lower state income and sales taxes, you'll find property taxes are higher compared to San Diego's. The economic landscape also shifts; Portland's economy thrives on healthcare and marine industries, whereas San Diego is substantially influenced by its military and tech industries. While both cities demonstrate different levels of affluence, awareness of San Diego's high levels of homelessness and moderate poverty is valuable for understanding socio-economic challenges in the area.
Portland vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
Get a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in your move between cities with this comparison of the politics between Portland & San Diego . This guide will help you understand how community values and beliefs may differ in Portland, ME and San Diego, CA.
| Portland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal leanings with a strong Democratic presence | Moderate with a blend of Democrats and Republicans |
| Local Politics | Focus on sustainable development and environmental initiatives | Emphasis on business growth alongside environmental protection |
| Religion | Predominantly non-religious with a mix of various faiths | Diverse religious landscape with a significant Christian population |
When transitioning from Portland to San Diego, you might notice a difference in the political spectrum, where Portland tends to have a more uniform Democratic base while San Diego presents a balance between Democrats and Republicans. In terms of local governance, Portland prioritizes sustainable practices, which is reflected in its support for green projects and businesses like Portland's City Hall. Meanwhile, San Diego showcases a dynamic mix of business-oriented policies, balancing its economic growth with ecological awareness, as observed in initiatives by San Diego City Government. On the religious front, you will find that San Diego offers a more diverse tapestry of faiths compared to Portland's largely secular outlook.
Portland vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & San Diego. Understanding the differences between these cities will help you better anticipate what your daily commute and traffic experience will be like when moving from Portland, ME to San Diego, CA.
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 21 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes, in certain areas |
When moving from Portland to San Diego, you'll notice a significant shift in transportation dynamics. While Portland's relatively low traffic congestion score of 3 reflects a laid-back driving experience, San Diego's busier roads are evident with a congestion score of 6, especially during peak hours. However, San Diego compensates with better public transit options, scoring an 8 compared to Portland's 6, making it feasible to forgo a car in some city areas. Neighborhoods like Downtown San Diego offer robust transit access, whereas in Portland, a car is more necessary due to less comprehensive transit systems.
Additional Resources
Portland Moving Services
Popular Portland to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources
