($1,551+) Arlington, VA to Portland, OR Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Portland, OR, runs anywhere from $1,551 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,299 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,804 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,313, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,299 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,821 - $7,088, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,551 - $4,220.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Portland, OR. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,892 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Portland, OR
There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Portland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,892 - $7,069. Containers cost roughly 34% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 57% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,804 miles, expect 7 to 21 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,804-mile route from Arlington to Portland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,313 - $5,757 | $1,821 - $3,657 | $1,551 - $3,037 | $1,691 - $3,323 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,892 - $7,069 | $2,585 - $4,936 | $1,663 - $3,687 | $1,970 - $4,281 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,974 - $11,299 | $3,499 - $7,088 | $2,123 - $4,220 | $2,607 - $5,897 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Portland, OR
Full-service movers for the 2,804-mile relocation from Arlington, Virginia, to Portland, Oregon, cost between $2,313 and $11,299. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $449 - $2,992, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Arlington typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,313 - $5,757
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,892 - $7,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,974 - $11,299
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 Arlington to Portland.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Portland, OR
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $748 - $7,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $299 - $1,795/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $449 - $3,590 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,496 - $4,488 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,740 - $14,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,121 - $2,129 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,496 - $3,740 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,197 - $5,236 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $449 - $2,244 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $972 - $2,992 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $449 - $22,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $449 - $5,236+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Portland?
Look for Oregon Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Oregon beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Arlington, VA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Portland, OR
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Portland, Oregon, cost between $1,821 and $7,088. 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 Arlington costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,821 - $3,657
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,585 - $4,936
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,499 - $7,088
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $112 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $224 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,047 in Arlington, VA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Portland, OR, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $1,821. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,585 - $4,936.
What are the best moving containers Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Portland, OR
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,804 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Portland, Oregon, running $1,551 - $4,220. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,335 - $1,525
- Daily insurance: $45/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $30
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Arlington to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,551 - $3,037
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,663 - $3,687
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,123 - $4,220
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,551 - $4,220 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Arlington to Portland. Fuel ($1,335 - $1,525), lodging at around $224/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,047.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,335 - $1,525 for the 2,804-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $90 and $486, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $224 per night for hotel stops on the 2,804-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $449 - $673.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA to Portland, OR
For larger DIY moves from Arlington, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Portland, Oregon.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,970 and $4,281.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,691 - $3,323
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,970 - $4,281
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,607 - $5,897
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Arlington, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,047.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $112 - $224 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Arlington, VA 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 Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 128 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,530/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $556,420 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $88,792/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 6.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 9.9% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 81/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 42.63/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Arlington, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia 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 304 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 2,804-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Arlington, VA, to Portland, OR, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,313 - $11,299 on the 2,804-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,821 - $7,088 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,551 - $4,220 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,892 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Arlington, VA, to Portland, OR
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,335 - $1,525), daily insurance ($45/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $30) on top. Overnight stops can add another $224/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 81 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 92, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Portland, OR?
Costs on this route range from around $1,551 to $11,299, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,313 and $11,299, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Portland, OR?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Arlington?
Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Portland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.