Modesto, CA to Portland, OR Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Portland typically costs $2,400–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 654 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Portland
Moving from Modesto, CA to Portland, OR typically costs $2,400–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 654-mile move from Modesto to Portland, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $551 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,720 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,645 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 29, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 21, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Modesto to Portland
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Modesto to Portland might be as low as $1,700, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,400.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Modesto.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $600 to $1,600 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Portland, OR to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Portland movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Portland
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Modesto to Portland, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→OR movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Portland runs about 11% higher for singles and 2% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $2,572 in Portland versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $6,077 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,825 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 9.9% |
- Good news! When moving to Portland from Modesto, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 15% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 18% higher in Portland than in Modesto.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 28% higher in Portland than in Modesto, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Portland, as the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 11% greater than in Modesto. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Portland and Modesto, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 14% lower than Modesto, Portland boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Portland has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Modesto. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 26% lower in Oregon than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Modesto and Portland, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $211.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $66.74 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.11 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $37.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Modesto than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Modesto than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Portland.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Portland
| Modesto | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 652,503 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 81 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 92 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 57.37 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 42.63 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Portland's population is about 199% greater than Modesto.
- Portland's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Portland is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 81 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 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 Modesto with a score of 57.37 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 42.63 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Portland move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a Oregon moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Oregon, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Portland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to Bridgetown? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Goose Hollow
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
Now that you've made the move to Oregon, it's the perfect time to explore Portland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- 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, and Oregon Maritime Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Portland Trailblazers (NBA)Portland Timbers (MLS)Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Portland?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Modesto to Portland. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Portland?
With many people choosing to move from Modesto 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 Modesto to Portland take?
Covering 654 miles, the move from Modesto, CA to Portland, OR typically takes one to six days. Some Modesto movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Portland can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Modesto can handle specialty items for my move to Portland?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Modesto, 10 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
