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 629 mile move from Oregon to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 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 $1,500 - $5,500 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 | Northwest Grace Moving | 9.28 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | All Service Moving | 9.27 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Comfortable Moving | 9.15 | 9.55 | 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 629 miles from Portland, OR to Oakland, CA will cost on average $2,316 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Oakland 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,559 | 300 ft³ | 5.20 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,316 | 450 ft³ | 5.15 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,823 | 750 ft³ | 5.10 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,552 | 1100 ft³ | 5.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,995 | 1600 ft³ | 5.00 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,904 | 1800 ft³ | 4.95 |
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) |
Northwest Grace Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1999959 / 755213 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2023) |
All Service Moving
This listing has been claimed by All Service Moving66 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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1863079 / 722865 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 80 |
| Registered Drivers | 113 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1,186,786 (2022) |
Comfortable Moving
3305 Main St # 023
Vancouver, WA, 98663
About Comfortable Moving
Comfortable Moving is a family-owned and operated moving business providing residential and commercial moving services since 2017. Based in Vancouver, WA,...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3236736 / 1015844 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 14,000 (2020) |
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
Moving to a new city can feel like navigating uncharted territory. To help bridge the gap, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between Portland, OR, & Oakland, CA for those considering the leap from Portland to Oakland. This guide is designed to match you with neighborhoods in Oakland that reflect the vibe and community you've come to cherish in Portland.
| Portland | Oakland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl District | Rockridge | Vibrant shopping and dining |
| Alberta Arts District | Temescal | Artsy and eclectic community |
| Nob Hill | Piedmont Avenue | Historic charm, upscale boutiques |
| Ladd's Addition | Grand Lake | Lush landscapes, historic homes |
| Mississippi Ave | Old Oakland | Hip, with a vintage vibe |
| Hawthorne | Lakeshore | Alternative, vibrant nightlife |
| Laurelhurst | Montclair Village | Family-friendly, wooded areas |
| Eastmoreland | Claremont Hills | Serene, picturesque views |
| Richmond | Dimond District | Diverse culture, community-focused |
| Forest Park | Redwood Heights | Nature-filled, residential |
For those who enjoy the vibrant shopping and dining scene of Portland's Pearl District, Rockridge in Oakland promises an equally captivating atmosphere with its array of sophisticated eateries and boutiques. Fans of the artsy and eclectic community of Alberta Arts District will find a similar vibe in Temescal, known for its innovative art scenes and food venues. If the historic charm and upscale shopping of Nob Hill have won your heart, you'll be delighted by Piedmont Avenue's offer of historic allure combined with modern sophistication. Grand Lake parallels Ladd's Addition with its beautiful landscapes and historic homes but adds to it with a dynamic selection of markets and cinemas, such as the Grand Lake Theater. Lastly, for those captivated by the lush, outdoor expanses of Forest Park, Redwood Heights offers an oasis of greenery within the city, providing a tranquil retreat from urban bustle while maintaining a strong sense of community.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Oakland
Moving from one city to another comes with its highs and lows. This guide aims to provide a balanced view of relocating from Portland, OR to Oakland, CA , highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of making such a move. Whether you're drawn by better job prospects or the appeal of a new environment, understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision.
Portland, OR- Higher rainfall
- Less diversity
- Lower job growth
- Smaller tech scene
Oakland, CA- Sunnier days
- Greater diversity
- Higher job growth
- Larger tech scene
Oakland, CA- Fewer parks
- Warmer summers
- More expensive dining
- Higher cost of living
Portland, OR- More green spaces
- Milder summers
- Eclectic food scene
- Rich art community
While Oakland may boast sunnier days and a thriving tech industry, promising higher job growth, it's essential to consider the lifestyle changes this move entails. Oakland's diversity enriches the cultural tapestry of the city, evident in its vibrant communities like Temescal and Rockridge. Here, you can explore eclectic restaurants like Doña or catch a breathtaking sunset at Lake Merritt. Despite a higher cost of living in Oakland, including more expensive dining options, the city compensates with its unique culinary and arts scene – places like the Oakland Museum of California showcase this beautifully. Portland’s lush parks might be more abundant, but Oakland's urban green spaces, like Joaquin Miller Park, offer their own charm and a multitude of outdoor activities.
Portland vs. Oakland Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Oakland to help you understand the food scene in your new city. Food is a vital part of local culture and can greatly affect your living experience. This comparison aims to give you a better insight into what to expect when you move.
| Portland | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Donuts | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork Belly | BBQ Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Food Carts | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Portland, neighborhoods like the Pearl District and North Mississippi Avenue boast an array of food carts and vegan delicacies, showcasing the city's commitment to diverse and health-conscious eating. Among the streets, you might stumble upon Pok Pok, known for its authentic Thai dishes, or Salt & Straw where innovative ice cream flavors become the talk of the town. Moving to Oakland, you'll find the food landscape equally vibrant. Lake Merritt and Temescal are hotspots for foodies, with places like ShakeWell blending Mediterranean and Californian cuisines, while Homeroom specializes in gourmet mac and cheese, a comfort food taken to new heights. Both cities are paradises for food lovers, each with its unique flavor profile and culinary experiences to offer.
Portland vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, finding your new culinary havens is essential for feeling at home. This restaurant comparison is designed to bridge the gap between Portland and Oakland , helping you discover your next go-to spots by drawing parallels with your favorite Portland eateries.
| Portland | Oakland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Pigeon | Commis | High-end dining with a focus on innovative cuisine |
| Screen Door | Brown Sugar Kitchen | Famous for soulful brunch and southern comfort food |
| Apizza Scholls | Pizzaiolo | Neapolitan pizzas with a commitment to local, organic ingredients |
| Nong's Khao Man Gai | Hawking Bird | Known for their spin on chicken and rice, using fresh and local flavors |
| Pok Pok | Chai Thai Noodles | Authentic Thai food with a focus on street-style dishes |
| Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen | Phnom Penh House | Traditional Cambodian & Vietnamese dishes that embody the heart of Southeast Asian cuisine |
| Tasty n Alder | Wood Tavern | American brasserie offering a cozy, upscale dining experience |
| Andina | Ceviche Del Mar | Offers a fusion of flavors, showcasing the best of Peruvian cuisine |
| Blue Star Donuts | Donut Savant | Small-batch, craft donuts with inventive flavors |
| Salt & Straw | Fentons Creamery | A classic ice cream parlor with unique flavors and a rich history |
For those missing the vibrant, eclectic flavors of Portland's Pok Pok, Oakland's Chai Thai Noodles offers a tempting array of authentic Thai street food that will whisk your taste buds away to the bustling night markets of Bangkok. Fans of the iconic Salt & Straw will find solace in Fentons Creamery, an Oakland institution which, like its Portland counterpart, crafts unique, mouth-watering flavors that boast of local ingredients and creativity. Meanwhile, the transition from Le Pigeon's avant-garde dishes to Commis in Oakland promises an equally innovative dining experience, where each dish tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and the Bay Area's bountiful produce.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning your move, understanding the real estate dynamics between Portland, OR, and Oakland, CA is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle, allowing you to make an informed decision on your new home.
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Eco-friendly, Spacious yards | Views, Close to public transit |
Moving from Portland to Oakland introduces you to a significantly different housing market. In Oakland, you'll notice the prominence of Victorian architecture, which adds a charming aesthetic to the urban environment. This city's walkability and bikeability scores are higher, indicating a more compact urban layout conducive to exploring and commuting without a car. The emphasis on views and proximity to public transit in Oakland real estate listings reflects the urban lifestyle you can expect, contrasting with Portland's focus on eco-friendly features and spacious yards.
Portland vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
Understanding the weather differences between Portland, OR, and Oakland, CA, is crucial when planning a move. This comparison highlights key weather patterns in both cities to help you anticipate the shift and prepare accordingly. Factors such as average temperatures, sunshine days, and air quality are essential components of this overview, emphasizing the importance of adapting your lifestyle and wardrobe to your new home.
Portland, OR
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, OR
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Rain, Flooding | Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Portland to Oakland, expect a notable increase in sunny days and a milder winter climate. Oakland's Mediterranean climate offers warmer, dryer summers and mild, wet winters contrary to Portland's cooler, rainier weather throughout the year. This shift means fewer raincoats and more sunscreen for your new home in Oakland. Moreover, with Oakland's good air quality, those sensitive to allergens may breathe easier, sans the concerns of Portland's higher pollen counts. However, it's important to be prepared for the possibility of earthquakes in Oakland, a risk less prevalent in Portland.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Oakland
When planning a move from Portland, OR to Oakland, CA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will offer key insights into the cost of living, taxes, and income potential between Portland and Oakland, helping you make an informed decision about this significant life change.
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,057 | $82,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.3 | 139.1 |
| State Income Tax | 9.9 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.91 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0 | 9.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | Technology, Healthcare, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Significant |
| Homelessness | High | Very high |
Moving from Portland to Oakland, you'll notice several differences in terms of finances. Despite a higher average household income in Portland, the cost of living in Oakland is more expensive, as indicated by its higher cost of living index. This may be due in part to Oakland’s proximity to San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. The state income tax in California is also higher than in Oregon, which could affect your take-home salary. Furthermore, while sales tax is non-existent in Portland, Oakland has a significant sales tax rate. Despite these economic challenges, Oakland's affluence is described as higher, which might reflect in its real estate and cost of living. Understanding these differences can help you prepare financially for your move.
Portland vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
Welcome! In this segment, we provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the comparison of the politics between Portland & Oakland to help you understand the political and religious makeup of the residents in these two vibrant cities. Whether you're curious about local politics, the general political leaning, or religious affiliations, this concise comparison will give you a clearer picture.
| Portland | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Progressive | Liberal/Progressive |
| Local Politics | Strong focus on environmental issues and social equity | High engagement in social justice and community activism |
| Religion | Non-religious/spiritual diversity | Diverse religious communities, significant Christian and Muslim presence |
While both Portland and Oakland are known for their liberal and progressive leanings, the essence of their political and religious landscapes brings unique flavors to each city. In Portland, there's a significant emphasis on environmental sustainability and equity, a stance that's mirrored in local policies and community initiatives. This focus aligns well with the city's reputation for being one of the most environmentally conscious in the U.S. Conversely, Oakland showcases a vibrant tapestry of social justice and activism, deeply embedded in the city's history and continual growth. Religious diversity is marked in both urban areas, with a broader spectrum of faith-based communities in Oakland, including a notable presence of both Christian and Muslim organizations. This comparison not only highlights the similarities but also the distinctive characteristics that contribute to the rich cultural and social fabric of both cities.
Portland vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic can significantly influence your decision when moving from Portland, OR to Oakland, CA. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Oakland aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in each city.
| Comparison | Portland | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25.3 | 29.6 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning. | Yes, but more challenging. |
In Portland, the public transit system is highly rated, with extensive bus and light rail options like the TriMet, making it easier for residents to commute without a car. On the other hand, Oakland, while having access to the Bay Area's BART system, faces higher traffic congestion levels, which can make driving more challenging. This is reflected in the slightly longer average commute times seen in Oakland. Despite this, both cities offer viable public transit options, even though residents in Oakland might find it slightly more challenging to get by without a car compared to those in Portland.
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