Best Salt Lake City to Portland Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Salt Lake City to Portland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 864 mile move from Utah to Oregon go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 30 Salt Lake City 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 801 Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salt Lake City 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.

Best Salt Lake City to Portland Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 801 Moving Company | 9.39 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Best of Utah Moving Company | 9.33 | 8.73 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
3 | Northwest Grace Moving | 9.28 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | All Service Moving | 9.27 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | You Move Me Salt Lake City | 9.26 | 8.96 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Salt Lake City to Portland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 864 miles from Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, OR will cost on average $2,516 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salt Lake City to Portland move is roughly $6,040. 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 | $1,692 | 300 ft³ | 5.64 |
1 Bedroom | $2,516 | 450 ft³ | 5.59 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,156 | 750 ft³ | 5.54 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,040 | 1100 ft³ | 5.49 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,706 | 1600 ft³ | 5.44 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,704 | 1800 ft³ | 5.39 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Portland to Salt Lake City guide.
Compare the 5 Best Salt Lake City to Portland Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

801 Moving Company
3735 Redmaple Rd
Millcreek, UT, 84106
About 801 Moving Company
801 Moving Company has been serving the Salt Lake City Metro, UT area since 2008. Based in Salt Lake City, this...
Services
- Packing services
- Long-distance moves
- Local moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4140953 / 1587673 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 5 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

Best of Utah Moving Company
10291 S 1300 E #142
Sandy, UT, 84094
About Best of Utah Moving Company
Best of Utah Moving Company is one of the top-rated local moving companies in Utah. It is fully licensed and insured...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Office moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2920944 / 1476153 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
Registered Drivers | 12 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |

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

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
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 Salt Lake City
Woods Cross, UT, 84087
About You Move Me Salt Lake City
You Move Me Salt Lake City is a top-rated local moving company offering a wide range of services such as packing,...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long-Distance Moving Services
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3820939 / 1382615 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |

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.
Salt Lake City vs. Portland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into another world, but finding a slice of familiarity in an unknown place can make the transition smoother. With this in mind, we have drawn a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Salt Lake City, UT & Portland, OR to help you find your footing by using what you know as a guide. Discover which neighborhoods mirror those you've grown to love.
Salt Lake City | Portland | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
The Avenues | Nob Hill | Historic homes, walkable |
Sugar House | Hawthorne | Eclectic, vibrant shopping |
9th & 9th | Alberta Arts District | Artsy, unique local businesses |
Downtown SLC | Pearl District | Urban, upscale dining |
Capitol Hill | Sellwood | Quiet, historic charm |
Liberty Wells | Mississippi | Progressive, community-focused |
Ballpark | Buckman | Hip, close to action |
Harvard-Yale | Irvington | Affluent, picturesque streets |
Foothill | Laurelhurst | Lush, family-friendly |
East Bench | Alameda | Exclusive, breathtaking views |
Exploring neighborhoods like Hawthorne in Portland will remind you of Sugar House's vibrant shopping and eclectic eateries, such as the renowned Salt & Straw for an unforgettable ice cream experience. The Alberta Arts District, with its artsy vibe and unique local businesses, mirrors 9th & 9th's flourishing creative scene, complete with coffee shops and galleries reminiscent of Caffé d’bolla. For those drawn to the urban sophistication and upscale dining of Downtown SLC, the Pearl District offers an array of high-end restaurants and bars, like the celebrated Andina Restaurant, that rival any found in Salt Lake City. Each neighborhood, whether in Salt Lake City or Portland, boasts its own character, from the historic homes lining the streets of Nob Hill to the progressive, community-focused atmosphere found in Mississippi, ensuring you'll find a new place to call home while cherishing what you loved about your old one.

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
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Salt Lake City to Portland
Moving can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when it involves relocating from one city to another with distinct lifestyles. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, OR. Through comparative charts, we highlight the contrasts and benefits to help you make an informed decision about your relocation.
- Less diversity
- Harsh winters
- Drier climate
- More conservative
- More diversity
- Mild winters
- Lush greenery
- More progressive
- Higher rainfall
- Higher cost of living
- Competitive job market
- Less sunny days
- Outdoor activities
- Lower cost of living
- Strong job market
- Breathtaking landscapes
When considering a move from Salt Lake City to Portland, it’s worth noting the lifestyle changes that come with it. Portland boasts an array of lush, green parks such as Washington Park and Forest Park, offering residents a chance to immerse themselves in nature despite the city's frequent rainfall. Additionally, Portland's celebrated culinary scene, featuring spots like Pok Pok for Thai cuisine, highlights its diversity and progressive values. However, it's important to prepare for Portland's higher cost of living and competitive job market, which can be a significant adjustment from Salt Lake City's relatively lower living costs and strong job market amidst its breathtaking landscapes.
Salt Lake City vs. Portland Food Guide
Food is an essential aspect of local culture and can significantly influence what it's like to live in an area. For those considering a move, understanding the culinary landscape is crucial. Hence, we're providing a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between Salt Lake City & Portland so you can be better informed about the food scene in your new home.
Salt Lake City | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fry sauce | Doughnuts |
Most popular meat dish | Utah scones | Brisket |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Food Cart Pods |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado toast | Tofu scramble |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Salt Lake City, you'll find that restaurants like Red Iguana highlight the city's love for unique and authentic flavors, often focusing on Mexican cuisine, while Portland's food scene, represented by places like Pok Pok, is known for its international diversity, particularly its Asian influences. Portland's renowned food cart pods, such as those in the Hawthorne district, offer an eclectic mix of street food items ranging from artisanal doughnuts to globally inspired meals, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences, including an abundance of vegan options. This comparison suggests that Portland might offer a more varied and globally inspired dining experience, with a higher emphasis on health consciousness and vegan-friendly options.
Salt Lake City vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison
When moving from Salt Lake City to Portland, food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison Salt Lake City to Portland chart will help you find your new favorite spots, easing the transition and tantalizing your taste buds with familiar and new flavors.
Salt Lake City | Portland | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Red Iguana | Nuestra Cocina | Offers authentic Mexican cuisine, similar atmosphere |
Valter's Osteria | Il Terrazzo | Classic Italian dining, using fresh local ingredients |
HSL | Tusk | Creative, seasonal dishes that emphasize local sourcing |
The Copper Onion | Le Pigeon | Innovative American fare, cozy and upscale dining experience |
Log Haven | Canard | A unique blend of fine dining and casual comfort, with inventive menus |
Lucky 13 | Killer Burger | Known for juicy burgers and a relaxed vibe, very comparable |
Settebello Pizzeria | Apizza Scholls | High-quality ingredients on traditional pies, expertly prepared |
Pago | Beast | Focus on local, sustainable food in a cozy, upscale setting |
Bruges Waffles & Frites | The Waffle Window | Delicious waffles with a Portland twist, equally beloved |
Mazza | Nicholas Restaurant | Offers a wide variety of Middle Eastern cuisine, similar vibe |
Exploring the dining scenes in a new city can be an exciting adventure, and Portland's options are as eclectic as they come. For those missing the intimate Italian experience of Valter's Osteria from Salt Lake City, Il Terrazzo in Portland will warm you with its classically inspired dishes and locally sourced ingredients. If it's the inventive American cuisine of The Copper Onion that tingles your taste buds, Le Pigeon in Portland offers an exquisite fusion of American and French dishes that pushes culinary boundaries. And for the burger enthusiasts, transitioning from Lucky 13's towering burgers to Killer Burger's juicy offerings will not disappoint, ensuring that every craving is met with quality and creativity. Portland’s culinary scene mirrors the vibrant flavors and character found in Salt Lake City’s finest, providing a seamless transition for your palate.

Ready to start your move?
Salt Lake City vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current city and your future home is crucial. Understanding the differences in housing costs and amenities between Salt Lake City, UT and Portland, OR will help you make an informed decision.
Comparison | Salt Lake City | Portland |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Craftsman | Victorian and Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Close to outdoors, Spacious layouts | Eco-friendly features, Proximity to public transit |
Moving from Salt Lake City to Portland brings noticeable changes in housing and lifestyle. With Portland's higher median home prices and rent, the city compensates with better walkability and bikeability scores, making it easier for you to get around without a car. The architecture in Portland is rich with Victorian and Craftsman styles, offering a distinct aesthetic difference from Salt Lake City’s Prairie and Craftsman homes. Moreover, Portland's emphasis on eco-friendly features and access to public transit in real estate listings emphasizes the city’s commitment to sustainability and urban living, contrasting with Salt Lake City's focus on proximity to outdoor activities and spacious layouts.
Salt Lake City vs. Portland Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, OR, considering the weather differences is crucial to prepare adequately. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather varies between Salt Lake City and Portland, covering aspects from average temperatures and sunshine days to natural disasters and air quality. Understanding these differences will help you adjust your expectations and lifestyle to your new environment.
Salt Lake City, UT
Portland, OR
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Salt Lake City, UT
Portland, OR
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Salt Lake City, UT
Portland, OR
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Salt Lake City, UT
Portland, OR
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Salt Lake City | Portland |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Floods, Landslides |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Salt Lake City to Portland will bring noticeable changes in weather, especially in terms of humidity, sunshine, and precipitation. You'll experience cooler summers and milder winters in Portland, with a significant increase in rainy days contributing to its lush greenery. The difference in annual sunshine hours is also pronounced, with Salt Lake City boasting about 78 more sunny days than Portland. For those sensitive to air quality and seasonal allergies, both cities experience issues with pollen and mold, but the higher humidity in Portland might require adjustments in your daily life and household maintenance to mitigate mold growth and manage allergy symptoms.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salt Lake City to Portland
When considering a move from Salt Lake City to Portland, it’s crucial to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and economic health will impact your finances. This comparison will highlight key financial differences and similarities between the two cities, providing a clear perspective on what to expect.
Comparison | Salt Lake City | Portland |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $66,658 | $79,057 |
Cost of Living Index | 100.6 | 111.3 |
State Income Tax | 4.95 | 9.9 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.68 | 0.97 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.1 | 0 (Oregon has no sales tax) |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Tourism, Education | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
Affluence | Comfortable | Prosperous |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Growing | Significant |
While both Salt Lake City and Portland boast average household incomes around the $70,000 mark, the cost of living in Portland is notably higher. This is compounded by Oregon's higher state income tax rate of 9.9%, nearly double that of Utah's 4.95%. However, Portland offers a unique advantage with its 0% sales tax, which could offer some financial relief in day-to-day expenses. Both cities share moderate poverty levels, but Portland struggles more visibly with homelessness. Despite these challenges, Portland's affluence is described as "prosperous," supported by robust technology, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.
Salt Lake City vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Portland, OR can be a cultural shift, especially when considering the comparison of the politics between Salt Lake City & Portland and the religious landscape. This quick glance is designed to give you a snapshot of what to expect from your new neighbors and the local community's makeup.
Salt Lake City | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed, with conservative leanings | Liberal/Progressive |
Local Politics | Moderate with a strong presence of the Republican party | Very progressive with dominant Democratic control |
Religion | High percentage of Latter-Day Saints (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) members | More religiously unaffiliated and diverse faith communities |
When you move from Salt Lake City to Portland, you'll notice a significant difference in the political and religious atmosphere. Salt Lake City, with its substantial LDS community, brings a unique cultural element that influences local politics and daily life. In contrast, Portland's residents often pride themselves on their progressive values and diversity, leading to a more liberal local governance. The shift from a city with a strong Republican presence to one that is a stronghold for the Democratic Party might come as a significant change. Moreover, the religious landscape in Portland is markedly different, with higher percentages of people identifying as non-religious or part of various faiths, offering a wide range of cultural and social perspectives.
Salt Lake City vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Are you considering moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Portland, OR? Understanding the daily commute and traffic is essential. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Salt Lake City & Portland will help you better navigate your new city life, ensuring you make informed decisions about your daily travel.
Comparison | Salt Lake City | Portland |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 26 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Yes, easier than SLC |
In comparing Salt Lake City and Portland, you'll find subtle but significant differences. Salt Lake City has a relatively lower average commute time and less traffic congestion, making driving somewhat stress-free. However, Portland excels in public transit options, including buses, the MAX Light Rail, and streetcars, offering a more comprehensive and convenient system which makes it easier to live without a personal vehicle. Additionally, Portland's higher traffic congestion score reflects its denser urban environment, which is somewhat mitigated by its effective public transit system.



Additional Resources
Salt Lake City Moving Services
Popular Salt Lake City to Oregon Routes
Popular Moving Resources