Best Salt Lake City to Portland Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best Salt Lake City to Portland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1801 Moving Company9.399.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Best of Utah Moving Company9.338.73Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Northwest Grace Moving9.289.28Authorized For HHGContact
4All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5You Move Me Salt Lake City9.268.96Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,692300 ft³5.64
1 Bedroom$2,516450 ft³5.59
2 Bedrooms$4,156750 ft³5.54
3 Bedrooms$6,0401100 ft³5.49
4 Bedrooms$8,7061600 ft³5.44
5+ Bedrooms$9,7041800 ft³5.39
*Please note: These Utah to Oregon moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Utah & 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 UT to OR mover.
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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 Logo

801 Moving Company

Exceptional9.39/10
based on 412+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4140953 / 1587673

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Best of Utah Moving Company Logo

Best of Utah Moving Company

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,595+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2920944 / 1476153

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
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
You Move Me Salt Lake City Logo

You Move Me Salt Lake City

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 2,566+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/25/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3820939 / 1382615

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
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.

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 CityPortlandHow They're Similar
The AvenuesNob HillHistoric homes, walkable
Sugar HouseHawthorneEclectic, vibrant shopping
9th & 9thAlberta Arts DistrictArtsy, unique local businesses
Downtown SLCPearl DistrictUrban, upscale dining
Capitol HillSellwoodQuiet, historic charm
Liberty WellsMississippiProgressive, community-focused
BallparkBuckmanHip, close to action
Harvard-YaleIrvingtonAffluent, picturesque streets
FoothillLaurelhurstLush, family-friendly
East BenchAlamedaExclusive, 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 background image

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.

CONs
PROs
Salt Lake City, UT iconSalt Lake City, UT
  • Less diversity
  • Harsh winters
  • Drier climate
  • More conservative
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • More diversity
  • Mild winters
  • Lush greenery
  • More progressive
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher rainfall
  • Higher cost of living
  • Competitive job market
  • Less sunny days
Salt Lake City, UT iconSalt Lake City, UT
  • 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 CityPortland
Most iconic local food itemFry sauceDoughnuts
Most popular meat dishUtah sconesBrisket
Most popular street food itemTacosFood Cart Pods
Most popular vegan foodAvocado toastTofu scramble
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Red Iguana
  • HSL
  • The Copper Onion
  • Pok Pok
  • Screen Door
  • Le Pigeon
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 CityPortlandWhat You'll Love
Red IguanaNuestra CocinaOffers authentic Mexican cuisine, similar atmosphere
Valter's OsteriaIl TerrazzoClassic Italian dining, using fresh local ingredients
HSLTuskCreative, seasonal dishes that emphasize local sourcing
The Copper OnionLe PigeonInnovative American fare, cozy and upscale dining experience
Log HavenCanardA unique blend of fine dining and casual comfort, with inventive menus
Lucky 13Killer BurgerKnown for juicy burgers and a relaxed vibe, very comparable
Settebello PizzeriaApizza SchollsHigh-quality ingredients on traditional pies, expertly prepared
PagoBeastFocus on local, sustainable food in a cozy, upscale setting
Bruges Waffles & FritesThe Waffle WindowDelicious waffles with a Portland twist, equally beloved
MazzaNicholas RestaurantOffers 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.

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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.

ComparisonSalt Lake CityPortland
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanVictorian and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to outdoors, Spacious layoutsEco-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.

Summer icon
90°F / 70°F

Salt Lake City, UT

80°F / 58°F

Portland, OR

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
37°F / 22°F

Salt Lake City, UT

47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
16.1

Salt Lake City, UT

36

Portland, OR

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
56.2

Salt Lake City, UT

4.3

Portland, OR

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSalt Lake CityPortland
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresFloods, 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.

ComparisonSalt Lake CityPortland
Avg. Household Income$66,658$79,057
Cost of Living Index100.6111.3
State Income Tax4.959.9
Avg. Property Tax0.680.97
Avg. Sales Tax7.10 (Oregon has no sales tax)
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Tourism, EducationTechnology, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceComfortableProsperous
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessGrowingSignificant

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 CityPortland
Political Make-upMixed, with conservative leaningsLiberal/Progressive
Local PoliticsModerate with a strong presence of the Republican partyVery progressive with dominant Democratic control
ReligionHigh percentage of Latter-Day Saints (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) membersMore 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.

ComparisonSalt Lake CityPortland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2226
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible, but challengingYes, 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.

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