Best Portland to San Francisco Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Portland to San Francisco and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,246 mile move from Maine to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 18 Portland to San Francisco 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 $3,000 - $11,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland compared to San Francisco. 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 Francisco Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Bay - L.A. Express Moving | 9.32 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | SC Moving Services | 9.19 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | Vacationland Moving | 9.03 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Portland to San Francisco
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,246 miles from Portland, ME to San Francisco, CA will cost on average $4,542 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to San Francisco move is roughly $10,992. 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 | $3,043 | 300 ft³ | 10.14 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,542 | 450 ft³ | 10.09 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,532 | 750 ft³ | 10.04 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,992 | 1100 ft³ | 9.99 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,908 | 1600 ft³ | 9.94 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $17,806 | 1800 ft³ | 9.89 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Portland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Portland to San Francisco 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) |
Bay - L.A. Express Moving
8 22nd St
San Francisco, CA, 94107
About Bay - L.A. Express Moving
Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...
Services
- Long-distance moving
- Small relocation
- Full packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1396171 / 530464 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (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) |
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 Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be challenging, especially when navigating an unfamiliar city. By offering a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Portland, ME & San Francisco, CA , you can better understand your new surroundings while using familiar references from your current city.
| Portland | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Old Port | Mission District | Hip, lively scene with bars and eateries |
| West End | Noe Valley | Quiet, tree-lined streets with Victorian homes |
| East Bayside | SOMA | Industrial feel with an artsy vibe |
| Munjoy Hill | Bernal Heights | Scenic views and residential charm |
| Deering Center | Sunset District | Family-friendly with local schools |
| Bayside | Dogpatch | Revitalized area with trendy spots |
| Nason's Corner | Glen Park | Suburban feel within city limits |
| Riverton | Outer Richmond | Parks and cultural diversity |
| Peaks Island | Treasure Island | Island life with community vibe |
| Libbytown | Potrero Hill | Quiet, community-oriented neighborhood |
For those enamored with Portland's Old Port, with its vibrant dining scene and historic charm, San Francisco's Mission District offers a similar energy, bustling with popular bars and eateries amidst colorful murals. If you savor the serenity of Munjoy Hill, known for its panoramic views and community spirit, Bernal Heights presents a haven of tranquility with picturesque streets and homes nestled on scenic inclines. Meanwhile, the artsy atmosphere of East Bayside, with its industrial roots and creative flair, finds a counterpart in San Francisco’s SOMA, where contemporary galleries and start-ups reside in harmony. If you value historic character and seaside vibes, exploring these San Francisco neighborhoods will spark reminders of your beloved Portland haunts.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to San Francisco
This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Portland, ME to San Francisco, CA . By evaluating the contrasting aspects, you'll gain insight into what to expect and better understand the potential changes in lifestyle, environment, and opportunities.
Portland, ME- Harsh winters
- Limited job market
- Small city vibe
- Fewer shopping options
- Less diverse population
San Francisco, CA- Mild climate
- Thriving tech scene
- Vibrant cultural life
- Extensive shopping centers
- Rich diversity
San Francisco, CA- Foggy overcast weather
- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- More crowded spaces
- Higher crime rate
Portland, ME- Coastal charm
- Community feel
- Less traffic congestion
- Proximity to nature
- Lower crime rate
Moving from Portland, ME to San Francisco, CA offers a variety of new experiences. In San Francisco, you'll find a mild climate that allows you to explore beautiful parks like Golden Gate Park and Mission Dolores Park without the chill of Maine winters. The city’s cultural vibrancy is enhanced by neighborhoods like the Mission District, known for its eclectic mix of eateries and rich diversity. However, the thriving job market comes with a high cost of living, particularly in areas like SoMa. Be prepared for bustling streets, but you'll have access to a rich tapestry of ethnicities and lifestyles not as prevalent in Portland.
Portland vs. San Francisco Food Guide
Food is an integral part of local culture and greatly influences the living experience. This comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, ME & San Francisco, CA will help you better understand the food scene that awaits you in your new home.
| Portland | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Lobster Roll | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Duck Confit | Cioppino |
| Most popular street food item | Poutine | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Chowder | Buddha Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
| |
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (1-10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (1-10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (1-10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (1-10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving to San Francisco, you'll find iconic favorites like sourdough bread, a staple that you can taste freshly made at places like the famous Boudin Bakery in Fisherman's Wharf. Explore the Mission District for a variety of vibrant taco trucks, perfect for street food enthusiasts. If you're vegan or health-conscious, neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury and SoMa offer a plethora of trendy vegan spots and health-forward eateries. San Francisco's food truck scene is unparalleled, giving you diverse culinary delights just steps away. Moreover, the city is renowned for its strong foodie culture and gourmet restaurants, ensuring your tastebuds will always be entertained.
Portland vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
Food is integral to making a new area feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Portland and San Francisco will guide you in finding your new favorite eateries by drawing parallels to your current hometown, ensuring a smooth culinary transition.
| Portland | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Fore Street | State Bird Provisions | Known for its innovative approach to New American cuisine |
| Eventide Oyster Co. | Swan Oyster Depot | Both known for fresh, locally-sourced seafood |
| Boda | Liholiho Yacht Club | Unique blend of Asian flavors with a coastal twist |
| The Honey Paw | Nopalito | Celebrated for their carefully crafted cross-cultural dishes |
| Caiola's | Zuni Café | Known for its inviting atmosphere and creative comfort food |
| Duckfat | 4505 Burgers & BBQ | Both serve irresistible fries and heartwarming comfort food |
| Central Provisions | Tacko | Lauded for inventive small plates and fresh, bold flavors |
| Hot Suppa | Plow | Both establishments serve beloved breakfast classics with a twist |
| Otto Pizza | Pizzeria Delfina | Known for their thin-crust pizzas with imaginative toppings |
| Street & Co. | Anchor Oyster Bar | Offers exquisite seafood dishes in a cozy setting |
When you're yearning for Eventide Oyster Co., a trip to Swan Oyster Depot will satiate your craving with its equally impressive array of fresh catches. For those fond of Portland's inventive dining scene at Boda, Liholiho Yacht Club in San Francisco offers an adventurous take on Asian flavors, weaving local ingredients into its dishes. And if Otto Pizza is your go-to for creative slices, Pizzeria Delfina brings a similar passion for pizza craftsmanship, renowned for its vibrant, seasonal toppings and perfect crust. This comparison is designed to make sure you won't miss a culinary beat in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's crucial to understand how Portland and San Francisco compare. This guide helps you navigate housing costs , statistics , architecture , and walkability in your relocation decision.
| Comparison | Portland | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront Views | City Views |
In considering a move from Portland to San Francisco, you’ll encounter significant differences in housing costs. While San Francisco offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with high walkability, these perks come at a considerable price, reflected in both the median home price and monthly rent, which are nearly quadruple those in Portland. Conversely, Portland provides better bikeability, making it ideal for those who prefer cycling. The architecture differs too; Portland's classic Colonial houses exude charm, while San Francisco's iconic Victorian style boasts historic appeal. When browsing Portland listings, you might find waterfront views, whereas in San Francisco, breathtaking city views dominate the listings, arguably contributing to higher real estate values.
Portland vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
Moving from Portland, ME to San Francisco, CA means adjusting to new climate conditions. Understanding the weather differences can help you better prepare for life in a new environment.
Portland, ME
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, ME
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Winter storms | Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Portland, you might find San Francisco's milder winters pleasant, though you'll miss the snowy landscapes. San Francisco offers more sunny days but comes with the potential risk of earthquakes, unlike the winter storms back in Portland. While both cities enjoy similar humidity levels and UV exposure, air quality is often better in Portland. Exploring these contrasts can help you be ready for your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to San Francisco
As you consider moving from Portland, ME to San Francisco, CA , it's crucial to understand the financial implications of this transition. Comparing aspects like income, taxes, and cost of living can help you prepare for the changes you'll encounter and adjust your budget accordingly.
| Comparison | Portland | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $70,244 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.5 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 7.15% | 13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.27% | 0.76% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5% | 8.625% |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Tourism | Tech, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Noticeable |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
When moving to San Francisco, you're likely to encounter a significantly higher cost of living compared to Portland. This is reflected in both the average household income, which is nearly double in San Francisco, and its cost of living index. The city also imposes a higher state income tax rate, though its property tax is notably lower. Industry presence is quite different too; while Portland thrives on healthcare, education, and tourism, San Francisco's economy is heavily driven by sectors like tech and finance. This creates a backdrop of high affluence but also noticeable poverty and homelessness, requiring careful consideration of financial planning.
Portland vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in Portland & San Francisco . Understanding these characteristics can help you adapt to life in your new city.
| Portland | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Liberal | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | City Council | Board of Supervisors |
| Religion | Christian Majority | Religiously Diverse |
Moving from Portland to San Francisco means experiencing some notable shifts in political and religious dynamics. While both cities tend to lean liberal, San Francisco is often seen as a stronghold of progressive politics. This is reflected in its governing body—the Board of Supervisors—which may drive policies differently than what you're accustomed to with Portland's City Council. Furthermore, San Francisco's religious landscape offers greater diversity, with a range of faiths represented across many neighborhoods. This can provide opportunities to explore different cultural and religious experiences that may be less prevalent in Portland.
Portland vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic patterns is central to settling into a new city. This guide offers insights into the comparison of traffic and transportation options between Portland & San Francisco , helping you anticipate changes in your daily routine as you transition.
| Comparison | Portland | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 35 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
Transitioning from Portland to San Francisco means adjusting to significantly different traffic conditions and public transit availability. In San Francisco, public transit options are plentiful and offer a viable alternative to car ownership—not something you could easily rely on in Portland. The BART and Muni systems in San Francisco provide comprehensive coverage of the city, making it easier to navigate without a car. Additionally, while Portland generally experiences lighter traffic congestion, you'll find commute times and traffic density notably higher in San Francisco, so planning ahead becomes more important.
Additional Resources
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Popular Portland to California Routes
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