Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,913 – $8,859 when moving from San Diego to Portland, with most moves taking seven to 21 days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 3,098 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Portland to San Diego.
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Best professional movers from San Diego to Portland
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from San Diego to Portland, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
There are 24 interstate moving companies in San Diego, here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you to Portland without the headaches.
What moving services are available in San Diego?
How we chose the best movers CA→ME movers
Top-rated movers to make your San Diego to Portland move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in San Diego that offers long-distance services to Portland can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in San Diego who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from San Diego to Portland.
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0154190
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 2059504
Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc , San Diego Expert Movers , Quick San Diego Movers , Coastal Movers , Manpower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Portland?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,584 – $6,679 | $1,554 – $3,723 | $1,801 – $3,327 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,547 – $8,859 | $2,617 – $6,062 | $1,913 – $4,201 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,133 – $14,147 | $3,616 – $8,288 | $2,324 – $4,717 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Portland
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Portland from San Diego, you can expect prices to land between $1,584 and $6,679. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,547 to $8,859 for the trip from San Diego to Portland. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $8,133 and $14,147.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Portland
Moving containers from San Diego to Portland will cost you $1,554 to $3,723 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,617 to $6,062. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,616 to $8,288. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Portland
Renting a moving truck from San Diego to Portland typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,801 and $3,327 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,913 to $4,201. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,324 to $4,717.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your San Diego to Portland move

What to know before moving from San Diego to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than San Diego – roughly 26% less for singles and 21% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,491 for one person in Portland versus $3,346 in San Diego. For a family of four, it’s $6,060 compared with $7,719.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
San Diego | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $1,925 |
Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $3,500 |
Average home value | $1,003,444 | $542,001 |
Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $64,171 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 5.5% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 5.8% |
- When relocating from San Diego to Portland, expect to find rent about 31% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 46% more affordable in Portland compared to San Diego.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 12% lower in Portland compared to San Diego.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Portland, as the cost of living for a single person is 26% lower compared to San Diego.
- A move to Portland can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 21% less than what it costs in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is about 21% lower than in San Diego. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 29% less in Portland relative to San Diego. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Maine are 56% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between San Diego and Portland:
Living Expense | San Diego | Portland |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $277.55 | $203.15 |
Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $54.88 |
Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.26 |
Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $3.62 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $25.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $120.00 |
Gym membership | $65.68 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in San Diego than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in San Diego than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Portland.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Portland
San Diego | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 68,408 |
Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 53 | 62 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 68 |
Crime index | 39.83 | 32.16 |
Safety index | 60.17 | 67.84 |
Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 95% less than San Diego.
- Portland’s public transportation score is within about 5% of San Diego, making them very similar.
- Portland is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 62 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland’s crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 32.16 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than San Diego with a safety index of 67.84 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego to Portland move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Maine’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Portland
Planning your move to The Forest City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- Rosemont
- West End
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- Back Cove
- East Deering
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
After settling into your new Maine home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Portland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Portland?
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Portland?
How long does a move from San Diego to Portland take?
Are there special savings available from movers in San Diego?
Are piano and antique moving services available in San Diego?
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