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

The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Minneapolis to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,566, while larger moves may reach $11,903 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 Minneapolis.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,216 to $3,201, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Portland

Moving from Minneapolis to Portland means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Minneapolis than in Portland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Minneapolis compares to Portland so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Minneapolis Portland
Average rent cost $1,484 $1,530
Average home value $312,602 $522,596
Average income (per capita) $70,099 $85,876
Cost of living (single person) $3,900 $2,572
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,710 $6,077
Unemployment rate 4.5% 6.9%
Sales tax 9.03% 0.0%
State income tax 9.85% 9.9%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 3% higher than in Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis.
    Home prices in Portland are 67.2% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • Income in Portland is 22.5% higher than in Minneapolis, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Portland is 34.1% lower than in Minneapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Portland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 29.0% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 53.33% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Minneapolis.
  • State income taxes are the same in Portland and Minneapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,978.46 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Minneapolis.

How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Portland

Portland Minneapolis
Population 652,503 425,115
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 81 71
Bike friendliness score 92 83
Crime Index 57.37 56.06
Safety Index 42.63 43.94
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Portland is about 53% greater than Minneapolis, 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.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Portland will be about the same as it currently is in Minneapolis. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Living in Portland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Minneapolis. Portland is considered more walkable than Minneapolis, with a score of 81 out of 100 versus 71 out of 100 in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is rated as 83 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Portland as Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Oregon moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Oregon doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

  • Northwest
  • Buckman
  • Goose Hollow
  • Richmond
  • Pearl

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Portland

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Oregon, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Portland has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Portland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Portland take?

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Portland, OR covers 1,728 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Minneapolis movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.

Helpful moving resources