Best Portland to Sacramento Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Portland to Sacramento and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 580 mile move from Oregon to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 Portland to Sacramento 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 Northwest Grace Moving), 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 Sacramento. 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 Portland to Sacramento Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Northwest Grace Moving9.299.28Authorized For HHGContact
2All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3You Move Me Portland9.269.4Authorized For HHGContact
4Rickey's Gold Country Moving9.218.91Authorized For HHGContact
5Workhorse Moving Co.8.468.69Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Portland to Sacramento

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 580 miles from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA will cost on average $2,274 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Sacramento move is roughly $5,450. 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$1,531300 ft³5.10
1 Bedroom$2,274450 ft³5.05
2 Bedrooms$3,753750 ft³5.00
3 Bedrooms$5,4501100 ft³4.95
4 Bedrooms$7,8471600 ft³4.90
5+ Bedrooms$8,7381800 ft³4.85
*Please note: These Oregon to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Oregon & California. 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 OR to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Sacramento to Portland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Portland to Sacramento Movers

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

Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.29/10
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
1
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
2
You Move Me Portland Logo

You Move Me Portland

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,680+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2388358 / 820850

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2020)
View Full Review
3
Rickey's Gold Country Moving Logo

Rickey's Gold Country Moving

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 375+ data points

15887 Rattlesnake Rd

Grass Valley, CA, 95945

About Rickey's Gold Country Moving

Rickey's Gold Country Moving is a moving company based in Grass Valley, CA. They have received positive customer reviews for their...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3065202 / 1398360

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Workhorse Moving Co. Logo

Workhorse Moving Co.

Fabulous8.46/10
based on 297+ data points

West Sacramento, CA, 95691

About Workhorse Moving Co.

Workhorse Moving Co. is a locally-owned and operated moving company in Calaveras County that has been serving the Gold Country since...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3369346 / 1080028

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved10 (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.

Portland vs. Sacramento Neighborhood Comparison

Transitioning from one city to another can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this process, we're offering a guide that highlights the comparison of local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Sacramento, CA . This will help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings using the comfort of what you already know.

PortlandSacramentoHow They're Similar
Pearl DistrictMidtown SacramentoVibrant arts scene and upscale living
Alberta Arts DistrictEast SacramentoCulturally rich with a strong community feel
Nob HillLand ParkHistoric homes and lush green spaces
LaurelhurstCurtis ParkCharming homes and community-centric atmosphere
MississippiElmhurstEclectic shopping and dining options
RichmondOak ParkDiverse and vibrant, with a strong sense of local identity
HawthorneTahoe ParkQuaint with a bohemian vibe and a variety of eateries
Northwest DistrictCapitol ParkClose to state capitol with leafy surroundings
Division StreetR Street CorridorHip, with a mix of modern and historic elements
Sellwood-MorelandWilliam Land ParkFamily-friendly with access to parks and recreational activities

In the Pearl District of Portland, you're likely familiar with its bustling art scenes, luxurious apartments, and chic cafes like Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Matching this vibe, Midtown Sacramento offers an equally vibrant arts scene peppered with galleries, alongside sophisticated places to live and dine. For those who adore the historic charm and lush landscapes of Portland's Nob Hill, Land Park in Sacramento mirrors this appeal with its own collection of vintage homes and expansive green spaces, notably William Land Park. Moreover, the welcoming and eclectic atmosphere of Mississippi Avenue, known for its unique boutiques and eateries like Mississippi Pizza Pub, finds a kindred spirit in Sacramento's Elmhurst neighborhood, celebrated for its diversity and vibrant local businesses.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Sacramento

Moving from one city to another is a significant decision and requires considering all aspects of the change. This guide aims to provide a balanced view of relocating from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA, highlighting both the challenges and advantages. Through these charts, we offer an honest reflection of the potential impact on your life in terms of environment, lifestyle, and opportunities.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher rainfall
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less diverse economy
  • Higher living costs
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Sunnier days
  • Larger metro area
  • More job opportunities
  • More affordable housing
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Less cultural events
  • Fewer green spaces
  • Less diversity in cafes
  • More car-dependent
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Richer arts scene
  • More public parks
  • Stronger coffee culture
  • More bike-friendly

Moving to Sacramento from Portland has its unique set of changes. For instance, while you may miss the lush, expansive parks like Washington Park or the eclectic coffee shops dotting Portland, Sacramento’s numerous parks and recreation areas provide ample outdoor spaces for relaxation and adventure. Though not as bike-friendly as Portland, Sacramento is improving its biking infrastructure. The transition might also mean exploring new cultural and dining scenes. Sacramento boasts a growing culinary scene with establishments like Beast and Bounty leading the charge, offering a mix of innovative dishes that could rival Portland's best. The move also opens up opportunities to delve into California's capital's rich history and diverse economy, potentially offering a fresh perspective on your career and lifestyle.

Portland vs. Sacramento Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Sacramento is a flavorful journey through each city's food scene. Food forms a pivotal part of local culture and daily life. Here, you'll get a taste of what to expect dining-wise in your new home.

PortlandSacramento
Most iconic local food itemVoodoo DoughnutsFarm-to-Fork Meals
Most popular meat dishSmoked SalmonGrass-fed Beef Burgers
Most popular street food itemFood Cart PodsTacos & Burritos
Most popular vegan foodTempeh BowlsQuinoa Salads
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Pok Pok
  • Salt & Straw
  • Le Pigeon
  • Selland's Market Cafe
  • The Kitchen
  • Mulvaney's B&L
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Portland, the culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing. Neighborhoods like the Pearl District and Southeast Portland are hotspots for food enthusiasts, featuring a mix of innovative food carts, artisan bakeries, and craft breweries. Conversely, Sacramento, America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, takes pride in its abundance of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. With districts like Midtown and the R Street Corridor, you can explore a variety of farm-to-table restaurants, casual bistros, and organic cafes that highlight the region's agricultural richness.

Portland vs. Sacramento Restaurant Comparison

Understanding the importance of food in making a place feel like home, this guide aims to ease your transition from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA. By comparing your favorite Portland eateries to their Sacramento equivalents, you'll find the process of finding your new favorite restaurants using Portland and Sacramento as a culinary roadmap, both welcoming and exciting.

PortlandSacramentoWhat You'll Love
Le PigeonThe Kitchen RestaurantHigh-end dining with a focus on adventurous tasting menus
Ken's Artisan PizzaMasulloNeapolitan pizzas with a focus on quality ingredients
Pok PokChada ThaiAuthentic Thai food with a focus on traditional dishes
Screen DoorFixins Soul KitchenSouthern comfort food with a modern twist
Tasty n SonsBacon & ButterA brunch favorite offering eclectic, farm-to-table dishes
Salt & StrawGunther’s Quality Ice CreamUnique and inventive ice cream flavors
Nong's Khao Man GaiThai CanteenKnown for their Khao Man Gai and other authentic Thai dishes
Apizza SchollsOneSpeedArtisan pizzas with a dedication to freshness and locality
Voodoo DoughnutMarie’s DonutsA local favorite for unique doughnut creations
Blue Star DonutsPushkin’s BakeryRenowned for their creative and gourmet doughnut selections

Exploring these culinary gems in both cities, you'll dive into a world where high-quality ingredients and unique flavors reign supreme. For instance, Le Pigeon in Portland offers an avant-garde dining experience, mirrored by The Kitchen Restaurant in Sacramento, where diners are treated to a similarly upscale and adventurous meal. Masullo brings a slice of Ken's Artisan Pizza's passion for Neapolitan pizza to Sacramento, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Crawling through these establishments, you'll not only satiate your gastronomic cravings but also find a piece of Portland's vibrant food scene in the heart of Sacramento, making the transition between these two cities a journey of delicious discovery.

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Portland vs. Sacramento Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA, diving into the real estate landscape is critical. Understanding how housing costs, styles, and lifestyles differ between these two vibrant cities can help make your relocation smoother.

ComparisonPortlandSacramento
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanMid-Century Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingGreen spaces, proximity to cafesBackyard pools, proximity to parks

In comparing Portland and Sacramento, you'll find that both cities offer unique appeals. Portland, known for its lush green spaces, boasts a higher bikeability score, reflecting its bike-friendly infrastructure. On the other hand, Sacramento, with its Mid-Century Modern architecture and emphasis on backyard pools, presents a warmer climate suited for those who appreciate the outdoors and a relaxed lifestyle. Sacramento's slightly higher median monthly rent indicates a competitive housing market, despite lower median home prices than Portland. Choosing between these cities depends on what you value more: Portland's vibrant urban lifestyle and bike culture or Sacramento's sunny, laid-back outdoor living.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA

1. Midtown : This area's abundant dog parks, such as Truitt Bark Park, and pet-friendly patios make it a haven for pet owners.

2. East Sacramento : Known for its picturesque streets and close proximity to the spacious McKinley Park, it's perfect for long walks with your furry friend.

3. Land Park : With its expansive green spaces like William Land Park, it's ideal for pets that love outdoor activities and living close to nature.

Portland vs. Sacramento Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, it's crucial to comprehend how the weather between Portland, OR, and Sacramento, CA will compare. This understanding will help you adjust to your new environment more easily and plan for any changes in climate you might experience.

Summer icon
81°F / 58°F

Portland, OR

92°F / 58°F

Sacramento, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

54°F / 39°F

Sacramento, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43.5 inches

Portland, OR

18 inches

Sacramento, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4 inches

Portland, OR

0 inches

Sacramento, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPortlandSacramento
Air QualityModerateModerate to Unhealthy
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, FloodsEarthquakes, Floods, Heatwaves
Days of Sunshine per Year144 days269 days
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Portland to Sacramento means embracing significantly more sunny days throughout the year, a detail that could improve your daily life and vitamin D intake. You will also need to prepare for higher average temperatures during the summer in Sacramento, coupled with lower humidity levels than in Portland. These factors can impact your outdoor activities and how you manage heat. The decreased annual rainfall in Sacramento compared to Portland is another considerable change, leading to drier conditions. Understanding these differences will assist you in adjusting to your new city's lifestyle and weather-related challenges.

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

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and financial aspects will compare between Portland and Sacramento. Understanding these differences will help you manage your finances effectively in your new home.

ComparisonPortlandSacramento
Avg. Household Income$79,057$75,311
Cost of Living Index111.3116.2
State Income Tax9.99.3
Avg. Property Tax0.910.81
Avg. Sales Tax08.75
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, HealthcareGovernment, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceModerateEmerging
PovertyNoticeableSignificant
HomelessnessHighVery High

Portland and Sacramento offer different financial landscapes, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. With a higher average household income and no sales tax, Portland provides an appealing environment for many. However, the cost of living is significantly higher compared to Sacramento. Sacramento, on the other hand, boasts a lower cost of living but comes with a higher sales tax. Both cities face challenges with homelessness and poverty, reflections of broader national issues. The industries driving each city's economy, from technology and manufacturing in Portland to government and education in Sacramento, also play a crucial role in shaping the job market and opportunities for professionals.

Portland vs. Sacramento Political & Religious Comparison

Preparing for your move from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA? This quick guide offers a snapshot comparison of the political and religious makeup between Portland & Sacramento , providing insight into the community you’re moving into. Whether your priorities lie with political alignment, local governance, or religious communities, getting to know the landscape can help ease the transition.

PortlandSacramento
Political Make-upProgressive/LiberalDiverse, with a leaning towards Progressive
Local PoliticsEmphasis on environmental policies, social justiceComprehensive social programs, economic development
ReligionLess religiously affiliated overallDiverse religious communities, including Sacramento Area Congregations Together

While both Portland and Sacramento champion progressive values, Sacramento's political scene is marked by a rich diversity, reflecting its demographically varied population. This is evident in local politics where, similar to Portland, there’s a strong emphasis on progressive ideals, but with a broader focus that includes significant economic initiatives aimed at fostering growth. On the religious front, though Portland presents a more secular face, Sacramento boasts a vibrant mosaic of faith communities, providing a supportive environment for various religious beliefs. This diversity in Sacramento enriches the social fabric, making it an inviting place for newcomers.

Portland vs. Sacramento Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Portland, OR to Sacramento, CA means adapting to a new way of getting around. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Sacramento is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic will be like in your new home.

ComparisonPortlandSacramento
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2526
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with effortMore challenging

When moving from Portland to Sacramento, you'll find that both cities uniquely challenge and accommodate commuters. In Portland, the public transit system, highlighted by services like TriMet, makes it easier for residents to navigate the city without a car, thanks to its efficient light rail and bus services. Sacramento, while having a respectable public transit offering through SacRT, leans more heavily towards car dependency, making the lack of a personal vehicle more of a hurdle. Although the average commute times are similar, this subtle shift in public transit availability and the slight decrease in traffic congestion in Sacramento compared to Portland might adjust your daily routine significantly.

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