Best Raleigh to Portland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Raleigh to Portland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,852 mile move from North Carolina to Oregon go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 37 Raleigh to Portland 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 Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Portland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Northwest Grace Moving9.289.28Authorized For HHGContact
4All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Raleigh to Portland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,852 miles from Raleigh, NC to Portland, OR will cost on average $4,207 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Raleigh to Portland move is roughly $10,173. 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$2,819300 ft³9.40
1 Bedroom$4,207450 ft³9.35
2 Bedrooms$6,973750 ft³9.30
3 Bedrooms$10,1731100 ft³9.25
4 Bedrooms$14,7171600 ft³9.20
5+ Bedrooms$16,4661800 ft³9.15
*Please note: These North Carolina to Oregon moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & 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 NC to OR mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Portland to Raleigh guide.

Compare the 5 Best Raleigh to Portland Movers

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

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
4
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

3450 Bush St Suite 245

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (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.

Raleigh vs. Portland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can feel like stepping into a whole new world, especially when relocating across the country. To ease the transition, we're providing a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Raleigh, NC & Portland, OR . By understanding the similarities between neighborhoods in Raleigh and those in Portland, you can find a new home that resonates with your current preferences and lifestyle.

RaleighPortlandHow They're Similar
Downtown RaleighDowntown PortlandVibrant city life
Five PointsNob HillHistoric charm, boutique shops
North HillsPearl DistrictUpscale living, shopping
OakwoodIrvingtonHistoric homes, community feel
Cameron VillageAlberta Arts DistrictArtsy, eclectic vibe
Boylan HeightsMississippiQuirky homes, local eateries
Glenwood SouthBelmontDining, nightlife options
MordecaiMount TaborHistoric, serene neighborhoods
HillsboroughSellwood-MorelandAntique shops, cozy vibes
WadeHawthorneBohemian atmosphere, vibrant community

For those charmed by the historic homes and tight-knit community in Raleigh's Oakwood, Portland's Irvington offers a similar allure, featuring detailed architecture and a strong sense of local pride. Meanwhile, shopping enthusiasts transitioning from North Hills will revel in the Pearl District's blend of luxury apartments, chic boutiques, and innovative restaurants like Oven and Shaker. If the creative and spirited energy of Cameron Village drew you in, you'll find a kindred spirit in the Alberta Arts District, where art galleries, funky stores, and live music venues like Alberta Rose Theatre pulse with creativity. Each of these Portland neighborhoods mirror their Raleigh counterparts not just in their physical attributes but in the lifestyle and community vibe they offer, making your move to a new city feel like coming home.

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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

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh to Portland

Moving across the country can be daunting, but understanding the benefits and drawbacks of such a change is crucial. This guide compares the challenges and rewards of relocating from Raleigh, NC to Portland, OR, aiming to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation . It will help you balance your expectations for your new city life.

CONs
PROs
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Less public transit options
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Smaller tech industry
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Milder summers
  • Better public transit
  • More cultural events
  • Larger tech community
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less personal interaction
  • More urban
  • Longer, wetter winters
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Friendly Southern charm
  • More suburban spaces
  • Longer summers

Moving to Portland, you'll find yourself embraced by its vibrant cultural scene, from indie music festivals to avant-garde art exhibitions. For a taste of this, explore the Portland Art Museum or catch a show at the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the beauty of Washington Park and its world-famous rose gardens. Although the cost of living is higher, the trade-off includes access to a plethora of unique local restaurants, such as those nestled within the Portland Mercado, offering a culinary tour of Latin American cuisines. Yes, Raleigh might boast about its sunny, warm weather and charming suburban neighborhoods, but Portland's inclusive and progressive spirit, coupled with its natural beauty and eclectic urban vibe, presents an enticing new chapter for any newcomer.

Raleigh vs. Portland Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Raleigh & Portland, showcasing how food plays an essential role in understanding the cultural vibrancy and everyday life in these cities. This guide aims to provide insights for those relocating, enabling a smoother transition to their new culinary environment.

RaleighPortland
Most iconic local food itemEastern North Carolina barbecuePacific Northwest Salmon
Most popular meat dishPulled porkPortlandia Chicken
Most popular street food itemCheese biscuitsVoodoo Doughnuts
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruit sandwichTofu Bahn Mi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Death & Taxes
  • Le Pigeon
  • Andina
  • Pok Pok
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Raleigh, the Eastern North Carolina barbecue, particularly pulled pork drenched in a vinegar-based sauce, takes the spotlight. You'll find award-winning dishes in neighborhoods such as the Warehouse District, home to legendary establishments like Poole's Diner. On the other side, Portland's food scene is highly regarded for its innovative approach to traditional dishes. The Pacific Northwest Salmon is a staple, and areas like the Alberta Arts District are teeming with eclectic food trucks like Voodoo Doughnuts, offering unique flavors that mirror the city's creative spirit. Both cities have a strong commitment to accommodating diverse dietary preferences, making them exciting culinary destinations for new residents.

Raleigh vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to ease your transition from Raleigh, NC, to Portland, OR, by highlighting similar dining experiences. Whether you're seeking a reminder of your favorite Raleigh eatery or looking to discover a new go-to spot in Portland, these comparisons between top Raleigh restaurants and their Portland equivalents will guide you to your next great meal.

RaleighPortlandWhat You'll Love
Brewery BhavanaFermenterBoth prioritize a unique combination of craft beer and innovative cuisine.
Poole's DinerTasty n AlderBoth offer a modern twist on classic American comfort food.
Crawford and SonLe PigeonBoth are known for their creative, locally sourced dishes in an intimate setting.
GarlandPok PokWhile differing in cuisine, each delivers bold, authentic flavors from their respective cultures.
Bida MandaSiri Indian CuisineEach provides a deep dive into the intricacies of its cultural background, with Siri offering a Portland twist on traditional Indian flavors.
Ashley Christensen RestaurantsCanardLike Ashley Christensen's spots, Canard plays with upscale ingredients in a casual, innovative way.
Death & TaxesEemWhile Eem is Thai BBQ and Death & Taxes focuses on fire-cooked fare, both center around the unique flavors achieved through char and smoke.
Beasley's Chicken + HoneyScreen DoorOffers a Portland take on Southern classics, much like Beasley’s in Raleigh.
Morgan Street Food HallPine Street MarketBoth spaces allow for a communal dining experience with a variety of vendors.
Angus BarnRingside SteakhouseBoth are longtime institutions known for their prime cuts and high standard of service.

Exploring the culinary scenes in your new city can be one of the most exciting aspects of a move. For those who cherish the memories of Brewery Bhavana’s blend of craft beers and thoughtful cuisine, Fermenter in Portland awaits with its own unique fermentations and a plant-based menu. Garland’s distinctive approach to food mirrors the experience at Pok Pok, where every bite is a testament to the chef’s dedication to preserving the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine. Meanwhile, comfort food enthusiasts will find a familiar warmth at Screen Door, reminiscent of the southern hospitality and delectable dishes found at Beasley's Chicken + Honey. These eateries not only offer a taste of Raleigh in Portland but also promise new culinary adventures that could very well become your next favorite spots.

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Raleigh vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison delves into the housing features of Raleigh, NC, and Portland, OR, highlighting key aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Let's explore how these cities measure up to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonRaleighPortland
Typical Architecture StyleModern and ColonialCraftsman and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to tech hubsEco-friendly features, outdoor access

While Raleigh and Portland offer unique living experiences, their real estate landscapes reveal distinct lifestyle preferences. Portland's higher median home price reflects its vibrant urban scene and outdoor lifestyle, underscored by its popularity in eco-friendly features and ease of access to nature. Conversely, Raleigh's tech hub proximity and preference for spacious yards appeal to those looking for a blend of modern living within a more laid-back environment. Both cities showcase a mix of architectural styles, with Raleigh embracing both modern and colonial, while Portland is known for its Craftsman influence alongside modern designs. This illustrates the cities' architectural diversity, catering to a wide array of preferences.

Raleigh vs. Portland Weather Considerations

When deciding to move from Raleigh, NC to Portland, OR, it's vital to grasp how the weather climates differ. This comparison aids in understanding what environmental changes you'll experience, ensuring you're well-prepared. Let's explore the weather patterns of Raleigh and Portland to see how they contrast and what that means for you.

Summer icon
89/68

Raleigh, NC

81/58

Portland, OR

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
51/32

Raleigh, NC

47/36

Portland, OR

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Raleigh, NC

36

Portland, OR

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6

Raleigh, NC

3

Portland, OR

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRaleighPortland
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesEarthquakes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Raleigh enjoys more days of sunshine annually than Portland, it experiences higher summer peaks and colder winter lows. Notably, Portland's humid environment contributes to its lush, green landscapes but also means dealing with more mold-related allergies. Both cities face unique natural disaster risks; Raleigh with hurricanes and tornadoes, Portland with earthquakes and floods. Adjusting to the weather in Portland will involve acclimating to more cloudy days, enjoying milder summers, and preparing for different kinds of natural disasters compared to Raleigh.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning your move from Raleigh, NC to Portland, OR, it's crucial to understand the differences in financial aspects you'll encounter. This comparison breaks down key factors such as income, cost of living, taxes, and employment prospects in Raleigh versus Portland, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.

ComparisonRaleighPortland
Avg. Household Income$74,612$79,057
Cost of Living Index98.2111.3
State Income Tax5.259.9
Avg. Property Tax0.861.07
Avg. Sales Tax7.250
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, HealthcareTechnology, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh

Understanding the financial landscape is key to a smooth transition. For instance, while Portland boasts a higher average household income compared to Raleigh, it also comes with a higher cost of living index, making day-to-day expenses heftier. State income and property taxes are notably higher in Portland, potentially offsetting the higher income. Additionally, the absence of sales tax in Portland can be a relief for those moving from Raleigh, where consumers pay a 7.25% sales tax on goods. The top industries in both cities lean towards technology, offering ample employment opportunities for professionals in this sector. However, the higher affluence in Portland is contrasted by marked homelessness, a critical social issue that reflects on the city's affordability and housing crises.

Raleigh vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison

When deciding to move from Raleigh, NC, to Portland, OR, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Raleigh & Portland provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect. This comparison will give you insights into the local communities and help set expectations for your new home.

RaleighPortland
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive on social issuesHighly progressive, active local movements
ReligionChristian majority, diverse religious communitiesLargely secular, diverse spiritual practices

In moving from Raleigh to Portland, you'll find yourself transitioning from a city with a Democratic lean to one known for its strong Democratic and progressive stances, particularly noticeable in local activism and politics. Raleigh holds a diverse array of religious beliefs with a noticeable Christian majority, reflecting its Southern roots. In contrast, Portland showcases a more secular demographic, though it's welcoming to various spiritual and religious practices. The local politics in Portland are not only progressive but also highly participatory, with residents actively engaged in movements and civic initiatives, which might be more pronounced than what you've experienced in Raleigh. This vibrant political and religious landscape is an integral part of each city's identity, shaping the community and culture you'll encounter.

Raleigh vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Portland, OR brings about significant changes, especially in how you'll navigate daily commutes. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Raleigh & Portland is aimed to give you a clearer understanding of what to expect in your new city, helping you to plan and adapt accordingly.

ComparisonRaleighPortland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2526
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Not EasilyYes

In both Raleigh and Portland, the average commute time hovers around the 25-minute mark, indicating a relatively balanced daily travel time. However, Portland edges out Raleigh in terms of traffic congestion and significantly outranks it with a better-developed public transit system, making it feasible to get around without a car. In Raleigh, a car is almost a necessity due to less available and convenient public transit options. This contrast highlights the broader scope of mobility and lifestyle changes you may experience, emphasizing Portland's efforts to support a more pedestrian-friendly and environmentally conscious urban infrastructure.

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