Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Santa Clarita movetoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Portland to Santa Clarita (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,542, while larger moves may reach $8,787 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 Portland.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $736 to $1,826, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Santa Clarita

Moving from Portland to Santa Clarita comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Santa Clarita is generally more expensive than Portland, 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:

Portland Santa Clarita
Average rent cost $1,530 $3,295
Average home value $522,596 $804,740
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $106,166
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $3,290
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $6,722
Unemployment rate 6.9% 9.6%
Sales tax 0.0% 9.5%
State income tax 9.9% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Santa Clarita are 115% higher than in Portland, 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 Portland.
    Home prices in Santa Clarita are 54.0% higher than in Portland.
  • Income in Santa Clarita is 23.6% higher than in Portland, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Santa Clarita include Princess Cruises, Wesco Aircraft, and Scorpion.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Santa Clarita, since the cost of living for a single person in Santa Clarita is 27.9% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Santa Clarita, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Santa Clarita is 10.6% higher than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Santa Clarita is 39.13% higher than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Santa Clarita, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Santa Clarita are 9.50% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in Santa Clarita are 34.34% higher than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,837.48 in Santa Clarita to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita Portland
Population 228,673 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 35 81
Bike friendliness score 33 92
Crime Index 35.92 57.37
Safety Index 64.08 42.63
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Santa Clarita might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 65% less than Portland.
  • Getting around Santa Clarita without a car might be more difficult than in Portland. Santa Clarita has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Portland is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Santa Clarita neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Portland. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Santa Clarita isnโ€™t as walkable as Portland, which has a score of 81 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Santa Clarita, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Portland. While Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, Santa Clarita earned a 33. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Santa Clarita has a lower crime rate than Portland based on scores of 35.92 and Portland's 57.37, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Santa Clarita than in Portland, based on Santa Claritaโ€™s safety index of 64.08 versus 42.63 for Portland. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Santa Clarita isnโ€™t as good as it is in Portland, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Santa Clarita has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Portland is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Santa Clarita move

  • Weather: Santa Clarita experiences hot, very dry summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation.
  • 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: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”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 โ€œT Numberโ€ 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toSanta Clarita 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 โ€“ 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Santa Clarita

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Santa Clarita to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Valencia
  • Newhall
  • Canyon Country
  • Saugus
  • Stevenson Ranch

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Valencia
  • Saugus
  • Stevenson Ranch
  • Canyon Country
  • Newhall

Things to do in Santa Clarita

Now that you've made the move to California, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Santa Clarita. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Santa Clarita, such as the William S. Hart Museum & Ranch, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, and The Olde World Emporium.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Santa Clarita Woodlands Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Portland to Santa Clarita?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Santa Clarita?

With many people choosing to move from Portland to Santa Clarita 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 Portland to Santa Clarita take?

Moving from Portland, OR to Santa Clarita, CA covers 931 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Portland movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Santa Clarita.

Helpful moving resources