Best Portland to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Portland to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,077 mile move from Oregon to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Portland to San Diego 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 The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 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 | Northwest Grace Moving | 9.29 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | All Service Moving | 9.27 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Portland to San Diego
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,077 miles from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA will cost on average $2,697 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to San Diego move is roughly $6,483. 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 | $1,813 | 300 ft³ | 6.04 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,697 | 450 ft³ | 5.99 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,458 | 750 ft³ | 5.94 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,483 | 1100 ft³ | 5.89 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,350 | 1600 ft³ | 5.84 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,428 | 1800 ft³ | 5.79 |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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
When relocating, familiarizing yourself with your new city can be a delightful adventure, especially when you can compare it to what you already know. This guide zeroes in on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & San Diego, CA, designed to make your transition as seamless as possible. We'll help you find the San Diego neighborhood that mirrors the vibe of your favorite Portland spot.
| Portland | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl District | Little Italy | Vibrant arts and dining scene |
| Alberta Arts District | North Park | Eclectic arts, craft beer culture |
| Nob Hill | Hillcrest | Diverse with a strong sense of community |
| Ladd's Addition | Bankers Hill | Historic homes and quiet streets |
| Mississippi Ave | South Park | Laid-back, community-focused vibe |
| Hawthorne | Normal Heights | Hip, with unique shops and cafes |
| Eastmoreland | Point Loma | Upscale, with waterfront views |
| Sellwood-Moreland | Ocean Beach | Relaxed beach town feel, antique shops |
| Laurelhurst | Carmel Valley | Family-friendly, great parks |
| Forest Park | Torrey Pines | Natural beauty, extensive hiking trails |
Moving from the artistic vibes of Portland's Alberta Arts District? North Park, in San Diego, will feel like home with its eclectic mix of art galleries, local craft breweries, and vibrant street art. Foodies transitioning from the Pearl District's gourmet scene will find solace in Little Italy's bustling farmers markets and array of Italian bistros, such as Bencotto Italian Kitchen and Ironside Fish & Oyster. For those who enjoy the historic charm and tranquility of Ladd's Addition, Bankers Hill offers a serene escape with its exquisite historic homes and the scenic Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. And if the laid-back, community-focused vibe of Mississippi Ave is what you'll miss, South Park's friendly atmosphere and local events will quickly make you feel at home.
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
Moving from one city to another brings a blend of changes, be it climate, culture, or the cost of living. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA. By comparing the cons against the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a comprehensive overview to help make your decision.
Portland, OR- More Rainy Days
- Smaller City
- Higher Taxes
San Diego, CA- Sunnier Climate
- Larger Urban Area
- Lower State Income Tax
San Diego, CA- Less Diverse Arts Scene
- Less Coffee Shops
- More Urbanized
Portland, OR- Vibrant Arts Scene
- Rich Coffee Culture
- Abundant Nature
Portland is known for its vibrant arts scene, including renowned institutions like the Portland Art Museum and the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), enhancing the city's cultural atmosphere. In contrast, while San Diego has notable places like the San Diego Museum of Art, some may find its arts scene less diverse. Portland's robust coffee culture, featuring iconic coffee shops such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters, is another aspect new San Diego residents might miss, despite the city's growing number of cafés. However, San Diego offers a sunnier climate, which is a significant plus for those tired of Portland's frequent rain. It also has beautiful beaches and parks, such as Balboa Park and La Jolla Cove, providing residents with picturesque views and outdoor activities year-round.
Portland vs. San Diego Food Guide
Understanding local cuisine is a key part of immersing yourself into the lifestyle of a new city. As you prepare to move, it's important to explore the comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & San Diego to appreciate the unique food scenes that await you. Let's take a closer dive into what flavors and experiences each city has to offer.
| Portland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Voodoo Doughnut | California Burrito |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork Belly | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Food Carts | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Ramen | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Portland, the food carts and vegan scene are particularly vibrant, reflecting the city's innovative and inclusive approach to cuisine. You'll find an eclectic array of food trucks scattered across areas like the Alberta Arts District, offering everything from gourmet vegan offerings to international cuisine. On the other hand, San Diego's culinary landscape is deeply influenced by its proximity to Mexico, resulting in a wealth of Mexican-inspired dishes such as Carne Asada and Fish Tacos, notably found in neighborhoods like Little Italy and Pacific Beach. Both cities boast a strong health and fitness culture, though San Diego slightly edges out with its year-round outdoor dining opportunities and access to fresh produce, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts looking to blend taste with healthy living.
Portland vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Finding places that feel like home is pivotal when moving to a new city. This restaurant comparison is designed to help you discover your next favorite spots in San Diego, using Portland as your culinary blueprint. Whether you crave high-end dining or a cozy place for a casual bite, let this guide ease your transition.
| Portland | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Pigeon | Juniper & Ivy | Bold, inventive dishes that push culinary boundaries |
| Pok Pok | Saffron Thai | Authentic Thai flavors with a focus on street food |
| Tusk | Kindred | A quirky, inventive plant-based menu that's full of flavor |
| Ken's Artisan Pizza | Buona Forchetta | Handmade Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven |
| Screen Door | The Crack Shack | Southern-inspired fare, specializing in gourmet fried chicken |
| Nong’s Khao Man Gai | Bahn Thai | Renowned for authentic Thai chicken dishes and attention to detail |
| Salt & Straw | An's Dry Cleaning | A unique gelato experience with inventive flavors, not a dry cleaner |
| Pine State Biscuits | Great Maple | Known for modern American eats with a penchant for brunch |
| Apizza Scholls | Landini's Pizzeria | Traditional thin-crust pizza that rivals the best |
| Blue Star Donuts | Donut Bar | Award-winning donuts with a creative selection of flavors |
When longing for the culinary comfort of Portland while settling into San Diego, you'll find Juniper & Ivy's innovative dishes reflecting the same daring spirit as Le Pigeon, promising a refreshingly high-end dining experience. For those missing Pok Pok’s authentic Thai flavors, Saffron Thai delivers with a focus on traditional street food that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Meanwhile, fans of Salt & Straw's unique ice cream offerings will find a similar spirit of invention at An's Dry Cleaning, where the gelato flavors are as unexpected as the name suggests. Each San Diego restaurant has been selected not only for their cuisine's authenticity but also for their ability to embody the essence of your Portland favorites, ensuring you don't have to compromise on quality or experience in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
When contemplating a move, diving into the real estate differences between Portland, OR, and San Diego, CA is crucial. Understanding the housing market intricacies ensures you make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and financial situation.
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Spanish Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to nature, sustainable living options | Access to beaches, outdoor living |
While Portland is known for its Craftsman homes, sustainability practices, and a highly walkable and bikeable urban layout, San Diego boasts Spanish Colonial architecture along with a slightly higher urban lifestyle ranking due to its vibrant beach culture and outdoor living opportunities. The cost of living, particularly housing, is notably higher in San Diego. With median home prices and rent significantly steeper, you're not just buying a home but also embracing a lifestyle heavily centered around sun, sea, and sand. Analyzing these aspects alongside your personal and financial priorities can guide you to a decision that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
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 considering a move from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA, understanding how the weather differs between these two locations is essential. This comparison will help you gauge what climate adjustments you may need to anticipate, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Rainstorms, Earthquakes | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Portland to San Diego, you'll exchange overcast skies and frequent rain for sun-drenched days and mild winters. San Diego offers significantly more sunny days per year, which could greatly impact your outdoor activities and vitamin D intake. Despite the lower humidity, San Diego's UV index is higher, necessitating more consistent sun protection. Interestingly, both cities share earthquake risks, but their other natural disaster risks differ, with Portland facing rainstorms and San Diego prone to wildfires. This knowledge will help you prepare for life in a different climatic zone, ensuring you're ready for its unique challenges and advantages.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to San Diego
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand the financial implications of such a decision. This comparison aims to provide insights into how the cost of living and financial landscape in Portland and San Diego might affect your wallet. Being informed will help you prepare for the financial shift between these locations.
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,057 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.3 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 9.9 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.97 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Highly affluent |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Moderately noticeable |
| Homelessness | Significant | Substantial |
While the average household income in San Diego is slightly higher than in Portland, the cost of living index shows that San Diego is notably more expensive. This difference is pivotal as it impacts your daily expenses and lifestyle. Considering state income tax, Oregon has a higher rate despite having no sales tax, which contrasts with California's substantial sales tax. It's also important to note the differences in major industries, suggesting varied job opportunities. Lastly, both cities face challenges with homelessness, a critical social issue, yet they offer unique advantages in terms of affluence and economic robustness.
Portland vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
Whether you're planning to move for a new job, lifestyle change, or just a change of scenery, understanding the local culture is key. This quick comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot highlighting the politics and religion between Portland, OR & San Diego, CA . It's designed to give you a sense of what to expect from your potential new neighbors.
| Portland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Moderately Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies | Blend of progressive and moderate policies |
| Religion | Less religiously affiliated | More diverse religious communities |
When moving from Portland to San Diego, you'll find both cities lean towards liberal values, but San Diego presents a more mixed political scene, balancing progressive and moderate ideals. This blend creates a dynamic social environment which might feel different if you're coming from Portland's predominantly progressive landscape. Religion plays a different role in each city, with Portland having a higher percentage of residents identifying as non-religious, compared to San Diego's more varied religious landscape. The presence of diverse religious groups adds to the cultural richness of San Diego, making it an interesting shift from Portland. Also, note the presence of vibrant religious communities, such as Rock Church in San Diego, offering a variety of community services and events.
Portland vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Portland, OR, to San Diego, CA, can come with its fair share of adjustments, especially when it comes to your daily commute and how you navigate the city. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & San Diego is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in these two vibrant cities.
| Comparison | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | Challenging but possible |
While the average commute times in Portland and San Diego are relatively similar, there are distinct differences in their public transit systems and the feasibility of living there without a car. Portland boasts a higher rating for public transportation, thanks to its extensive network of buses, light rail, and streetcars, including services like the TriMet. This makes getting around Portland without a car more feasible with some planning. On the other hand, San Diego, despite having a variety of transportation options including the MTS bus and trolley services, is generally considered more car-dependent. The difference in availability and convenience of public transportation could significantly impact your daily life and mobility in either city.
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