Key factors that impact the cost of your Tucson to Portland movetoggle

The cost of Tucson movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Tucson to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,544, while larger moves may reach $9,989 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Tucson.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $989 to $2,615, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tucson to Portland

Moving from Tucson to Portland comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Portland is generally more expensive than Tucson, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tucson Portland
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,530
Average home value $327,203 $522,596
Average income (per capita) $61,749 $85,876
Cost of living (single person) $2,390 $2,572
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,043 $6,077
Unemployment rate 7.4% 6.9%
Sales tax 8.7% 0.0%
State income tax 2.5% 9.9%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 18% higher than in Tucson, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tucson.
    Home prices in Portland are 59.7% higher than in Tucson.
  • Income in Portland is 39.1% higher than in Tucson, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include KinderCare Learning Centers, Daimler Trucks North America, and Precision Castparts.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 7.6% higher than in Tucson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Portland and Tucson.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 6.76% lower than in Tucson.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Tucson.
  • State income taxes in Portland are 296.00% higher than in Tucson.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,228.45 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tucson.

How life is different in Tucson vs. Portland

Portland Tucson
Population 652,503 542,629
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 81 43
Bike friendliness score 92 66
Crime Index 57.37 54.43
Safety Index 42.63 45.57
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Portland is about 20% greater than Tucson, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Portland offers better access to buses and trains than Tucson, based on public transportation ratings. Portland has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 5 in Tucson. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Portland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tucson. Portland is considered more walkable than Tucson, with a score of 81 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in Tucson. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than Tucson in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, while Tucson is rated as 66 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Portland as Tucson. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Portland is generally as safe as Tucson, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Portland and Tucson is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Tucson vs. Portland move

  • Weather: Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Oregon does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Portland

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Bridgetown", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Portland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Northwest
  • Goose Hollow
  • Richmond
  • Pearl

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Forest Park
  • Hillsdale
  • Irvington
  • Sellwood-Moreland
  • Southwest Hills

Things to do in Portland

After getting comfortable in your new Oregon home, itโ€™s time to see what Portland is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Portland include museums and art centers like the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Maritime Museum, and World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tucson to Portland?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tucson to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tucson are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tucson to Portland?

With many people choosing to move from Tucson to Portland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Tucson to Portland take?

Moving from Tucson, AZ to Portland, OR covers 1,381 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Tucson movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.

Helpful moving resources