Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Olympia 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 Olympia (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $767, while larger moves may reach $4,634 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 $145 to $257, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Olympia

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

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

Portland Olympia
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,895
Average home value $522,596 $508,798
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $66,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $2,473
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $5,391
Unemployment rate 6.9% 5.6%
Sales tax 0.0% 9.4%
State income tax 9.9% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Olympia are 24% 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 Olympia.
    Home prices in Olympia are 2.6% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Olympia is 22.6% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Olympia include Washington State ESD, The Evergreen State College, and Employment Security Department.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 3.8% lower than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Olympia is 11.3% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Olympia is 18.84% lower than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Olympia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Olympia are 9.40% higher than in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Olympia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,884.53 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Olympia

Olympia Portland
Population 55,605 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 39 81
Bike friendliness score 59 92
Crime Index 27.95 57.37
Safety Index 62.25 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Olympia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 91% less than Portland.
  • Getting around Olympia without a car might be more difficult than in Portland. Olympia 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.
  • Olympia neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Portland. Based on its score of 39 out of 100, Olympia 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 Olympia, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Portland. While Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, Olympia earned a 59. 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.
  • Olympia has a lower crime rate than Portland based on scores of 27.95 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 Olympia than in Portland, based on Olympiaโ€™s safety index of 62.25 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 Olympia and Portland 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 Portland vs. Olympia move

  • Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
  • 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Washington, 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 toOlympia Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Olympia

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Bigelow Highlands
  • Upper Eastside
  • North East
  • South Westside
  • Wellington West

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bigelow Highlands
  • Woodfield Estates
  • Cain Road
  • Indian Creek
  • Bigelow

Things to do in Olympia

Now that you've made the move to Washington, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Olympia. 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 Olympia, such as the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State 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 Olympia?

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

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Olympia, WA covers 114 miles and usually takes one to two 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 Olympia.

Helpful moving resources