Top-rated movers to make your Portland to San Diego move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Portland that offers long-distance services to San Diego can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed nine top local movers in Portland 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 Portland to San Diego.
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company , Bisson I & R Commercial Services , Bisson I & R Document Security , Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines , Allen & Coles Moving System
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 626233
Alternate Names: Tiny Tims Moving & Trucking, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to San Diego?
In Maine, moving services typically cost around $225 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 | $1,669 – $6,832 | $1,466 – $3,621 | $1,617 – $3,201 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,884 – $9,901 | $2,572 – $5,609 | $1,716 – $3,585 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,558 – $15,193 | $3,518 – $7,371 | $2,259 – $4,449 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to San Diego
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to San Diego from Portland, you can expect prices to land between $1,669 and $6,832. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,884 to $9,901 for the trip from Portland to San Diego. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $8,558 and $15,193.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to San Diego
Moving containers from Portland to San Diego will cost you $1,466 to $3,621 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,572 to $5,609. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,518 to $7,371. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to San Diego
Renting a moving truck from Portland to San Diego typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,617 and $3,201 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,716 to $3,585. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,259 to $4,449.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to San Diego move
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $3,370 for a one-bedroom, or up to $14,189 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Portland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,617 to $4,059, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Portland to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about 34% higher for singles and 27% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Portland versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $7,719 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to San Diego? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 45% higher than in Portland, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in San Diego are about 85% higher than those in Portland.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 14% higher in San Diego compared to Portland, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in San Diego, as living costs for a single person are 34% higher than in Portland. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 27% higher than in Portland.
- San Diego shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Portland by around 27%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in San Diego are 41% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 129% above those in Maine. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and San Diego:
| Living Expense | Portland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in San Diego.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in San Diego.
How life is different in Portland vs. San Diego
| Portland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 43 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 1927% greater than Portland.
- San Diego’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
- San Diego is less walkable than Portland with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- San Diego’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 39.83 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- San Diego is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 60.17 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to San Diego 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California 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 San Diego. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Diego
Planning your move to America’s Finest City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Diego has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to San Diego?
Planning your move from Portland to San Diego? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Portland to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Portland to San Diego take?
The 3,136-mile journey from Portland, ME to San Diego, , typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Portland offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Diego.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Portland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Portland, 9 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maine has 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Portland moving services
Popular Maine routes
- Maine to California car shippers
- Maine to California movers
- Maine to Florida movers
- Maine to Georgia movers
- Maine to Illinois movers
- Maine to Michigan movers
- Maine to New York movers
- Maine to North Carolina movers
- Maine to Ohio movers
- Maine to Pennsylvania movers
- Maine to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!