($184+) Seattle, WA to Portland, OR Movers
Moving from Seattle, WA, to Portland, OR, runs anywhere from $184 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,386 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 174 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $877, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,386 or more.
- Moving containers run $745 - $2,092, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $184 - $459.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to Portland, OR. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,389 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
There are 3 main ways to move from Seattle to Portland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,389 - $4,356. Moving containers run about 31% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 85% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 174-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 174-mile route from Seattle to Portland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $877 for a studio up to $5,386 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $745 - $2,092 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $184 - $459, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $684 - $1,830, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 174-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, with costs ranging from $877 - $5,386. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $438 - $2,920. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Seattle and Portland. Local movers in Seattle typically start around $260 as a base rate plus $141/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $877 - $3,388
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,389 - $4,356
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,975 - $5,386
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 Seattle to Portland.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Seattle 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 packing69% of local movers | $730 - $7,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $292 - $1,752/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $438 - $3,504 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,460 - $4,380 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,650 - $14,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,094 - $2,078 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,460 - $3,650 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,168 - $5,110 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $438 - $2,190 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage | $949 - $2,920 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $438 - $21,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $438 - $5,110+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Seattle 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.
How much do local movers cost in Seattle, WA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Seattle to Portland with a local mover averages $1,416 - $4,443. A local mover in Seattle, WA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Triple 7 Movers (4.64/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Seattle, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,899 customers, 95.4% of which is positive.
Address: 4103 C St NE, Unit 300, Auburn, WA, 98002 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, cost between $745 and $2,092. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Portland. If you go over that window, storage in Seattle adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $745 - $1,221
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $959 - $1,810
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,239 - $2,092
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 Seattle, WA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,022, 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 $110 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $219 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Seattle, WA, 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 Washington 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 $745. 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 $959 - $1,810.
What are the best moving containers Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
Truck rentals from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, range from $184 - $459 for the 174-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $81 - $92
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
| 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 Seattle to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $184 - $342
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $205 - $383
- 4+ bedrooms: $241 - $459
Pro tip: A rental truck from Seattle to Portland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $184 - $459. But once you factor in fuel ($81 - $92), overnight lodging ($219/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $219 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 $95 and $475 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $81 - $92 in fuel for the 174-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,022 in Seattle, Washington, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
For larger DIY moves from Seattle, Washington, 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 $759 and $1,476.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $684 - $1,203
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $759 - $1,476
- 4+ bedrooms: $961 - $1,830
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $110 - $219 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Seattle, Washington, for about five hours typically runs $1,022.
What are the best freight companies from Seattle to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Seattle to Portland. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Seattle, WA 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 Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 158 | 128 |
| Average rent | $1,975/mo | $1,530/mo |
| Median home value | $911,938 | $556,420 |
| Average income | $121,984/yr | $88,792/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 6.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 9.9% |
| Walkability score | 74/100 | 81/100 |
| Safety index | 49.23/100 | 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 Seattle, WA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Oregon over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 279 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 174-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Seattle, WA, to Portland, OR, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $877 for a studio to $5,386 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 174-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $745 - $2,092. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $184 - $459, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,389 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include KinderCare Learning Centers and Daimler Trucks North America.
FAQs: Moving from Seattle, WA, to Portland, OR
What is the best time of year to move from Seattle, WA 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Seattle, WA 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.
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 49.23 and 58.88 in Seattle. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 81 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 92, compared to 74 and 71 in Seattle. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.