Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Raleigh 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 Raleigh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,809, while larger moves may reach $16,323 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 $1,860 to $5,102, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Raleigh

Moving from Portland to Raleigh comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,670
Average home value $522,596 $431,795
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $2,572
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $6,077
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $6,077
Unemployment rate 6.9% 4.3%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.25%
State income tax 9.9% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Raleigh are 9% 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 Raleigh.
    Home prices in Raleigh are 17.4% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Raleigh is 97.0% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh include State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 136.3% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Raleigh and Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 37.68% lower than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Raleigh are 7.25% higher than in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Raleigh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.55% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,088.26 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Raleigh

Raleigh Portland
Population 467,665 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 31 81
Bike friendliness score 39 92
Crime Index 38.87 57.37
Safety Index 60.13 42.63
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Raleigh might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 28% less than Portland.
  • Getting around Raleigh without a car might be more difficult than in Portland. Raleigh has a public transportation score of 4 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.
  • Raleigh neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Portland. Based on its score of 31 out of 100, Raleigh 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 Raleigh, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Portland. While Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, Raleigh earned a 39. 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.
  • Raleigh has a lower crime rate than Portland based on scores of 38.87 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 Raleigh than in Portland, based on Raleighโ€™s safety index of 60.13 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 Raleigh 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. Raleigh 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. Raleigh move

  • Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in North Carolina, 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 toRaleigh Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Raleigh

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central Raleigh
  • Five Points
  • North Raleigh
  • Northwest Raleigh
  • West Raleigh

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Boylan Heights
  • North Hills
  • Mordecai
  • Stonehenge
  • Six Forks

Things to do in Raleigh

Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, such as the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum 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 Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Portland to Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Raleigh, NC covers 2,866 miles and usually takes seven to 21 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 Raleigh.

Helpful moving resources