($695+) Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR ranges from $1,218 to $8,641, with an average cost of $3,200. Moves can be as low as $695 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 961 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR
Moving options from Los Angeles to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,218 - $8,641 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,200, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 961 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 961-mile route from Los Angeles to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,218 - $4,918, container $1,161 - $2,265, rental truck $655 - $1,315, freight trailer $1,045 - $2,077.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,723 - $6,201, container $1,478 - $3,148, rental truck $714 - $1,518, freight trailer $1,194 - $2,542.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,074 - $8,641, container $2,012 - $4,014, rental truck $950 - $1,919, freight trailer $1,610 - $3,082.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 961-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Portland, Oregon, with costs ranging from $1,218 - $8,641. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $445 - $2,968. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Los Angeles and Portland. Local movers in Los Angeles typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,218 - $4,918
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,723 - $6,201
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,074 - $8,641
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Los Angeles to Portland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Oregon. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Portland, 83% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $742 - $7,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $297 - $1,781/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $445 - $3,562 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage41% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,484 - $4,452 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,710 - $14,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,112 - $2,112 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,484 - $3,710 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,187 - $5,194 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $445 - $2,226 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $965 - $2,968 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $445 - $22,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $445 - $5,194+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Portland?
Movers licensed to operate in Oregon are typically members of the Oregon Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Los Angeles, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Portland, Oregon, cost between $1,161 and $4,014. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Los Angeles costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,161 - $2,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,478 - $3,148
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,012 - $4,014
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,039, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $111 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $223 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and Portland, OR, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Oregon move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,161. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,478 - $3,148, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to Portland?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Los Angeles to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Los Angeles:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR
Plan on $655 - $1,919 for a rental moving truck on the 961-mile route from Los Angeles, California, to Portland, Oregon. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $454 - $519
- Daily insurance: $45/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $30
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $655 - $1,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $714 - $1,518
- 4+ bedrooms: $950 - $1,919
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $655 - $1,919 when pricing out a rental truck from Los Angeles to Portland. Fuel alone runs ($454 - $519) , and overnight lodging ($223/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $223 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $96 and $482 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $454 - $519 in fuel for the 961-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,039 in Los Angeles, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Portland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Los Angeles, California, to Portland, Oregon. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,336 and $2,542.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,045 - $2,077
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,194 - $2,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $3,082
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $111 and $223.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,039.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Portland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs Portland, OR
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Portland, side by side with Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 128 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,530/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $556,420 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $88,792/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 6.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 9.9% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 81/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 42.63/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, OR to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Oregon in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 961-mile route.
Our take
A move from Los Angeles, CA, to Portland, OR, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,218 - $8,641 on the 961-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,161 - $4,014, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $655 - $1,919. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,723 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include KinderCare Learning Centers and Daimler Trucks North America.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Portland, OR
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Portland a safe place to live?
Portland has a safety index of 42.63 out of 100 and a crime index of 57.37, compared to 46.19 and 53.81 in Los Angeles. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $714 - $1,518. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Portland?
For families, Forest Park, Hillsdale, and Irvington are worth a look in Portland. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Northwest, and Buckman tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
