Quick answer: For a 173-mile move from Portland to Seattle, expect to spend around $256–$5,404 and one to two days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Seattle to Portland guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Portland to Seattle

Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Portland to Seattle isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.

No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your OR to WA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 23 Oregon movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Portland to Seattle journey

Organizing a move from Portland to Seattle can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Portland known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Portland to Seattle.

  1. You Move Me: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  2. PDX Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  3. All Service Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/YouMoveMePDX/, https://twitter.com/youmovemeco?lang=en
87% of all reviews were positive
10% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day made easy—customers highlight efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick, communicative teams across 109 pieces of feedback. 87% of reviewers called their experience positive, noting fast, seamless moves, accurate quotes, and great care for their belongings. Teams often receive compliments for being organized, friendly, and attentive even during challenging jobs or tough weather. Pricing is transparent and often more affordable compared to other movers.
On the flip side, a few customers cite damage to items, unexpected or much higher charges than estimates, and rare cases of unprofessional behavior such as rude staff or mishandling items. These issues set You Move Me apart from the industry norm, where some companies suffer from frequent delays or unclear billing, but potential customers should still confirm estimates and clarify service expectations. Most feedback reports consistently smooth, efficient moves handled by a courteous and capable crew.
Show more
Get a Quote (604) 262-2075

Company Info

State license #: 14401

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2518689

Alternate Names: 0955821 BC Ltd.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/PDXMovers/, https://twitter.com/pdxmovers
89% of all reviews were positive
9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with PDX Movers leaves a positive impression on most customers. Analyzing 362 feedback entries, nearly 89% praised the company for efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, and quick moves. Many valued how staff went the extra mile in packing, were courteous, and responded quickly to scheduling needs.
Problems surfaced for about 9%—major issues included damaged belongings, bills higher than estimates, and poor follow-up or claims handling. Communication difficulties and unclear cost details caused frustrations after a move or when resolving damage. While negative experiences were far less common, the pattern suggests PDX Movers delivers above-average service and dependability compared to many competitors, especially for complex and large-scale jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (503) 746-8795

Company Info

State license #: 2353055

Pricing: $255/hr

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2353055


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/allservicemoving, https://twitter.com/ASMLLC
95% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers say All Service Moving sets the standard for reliability and professionalism. Out of 771 reviews, 731 were positive (94.8%), confirming that most people value their efficient service, meticulous care of possessions, and clear communication. Movers show up prepared and treat belongings and homes with respect, often finishing jobs ahead of time.
These qualities surpass what’s typical in the moving industry. Some customers mention damage to items or homes and frustrating complaint handling, while a few say arrival delays and lack of response during claims created extra stress. While most moves go smoothly, a handful of clients encountered unresolved damages or follow-up issues, notably around mistakes or delays when handling claims. Overall, people find All Service Moving faster, friendlier, and more careful than competing companies, but those with damaged items report greater difficulty reaching resolution than they expected.
Show more
Get a Quote (602) 266-5266

Company Info

State license #: 1863079

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1863079

Alternate Names: ASM LLC, All Service Moving and Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/2brothersmovingpdx/, https://twitter.com/2brothersmoving
93% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery for their efficiency, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. Most feedback highlights fast, communicative service and movers who go out of their way to protect homes and belongings. Even large, complicated moves are completed with attention to detail, earning trust and frequent repeat business.
On the rare occasion issues arise, reports focus on damage to items, billing higher than expected, or arrivals later than scheduled. Some clients feel dissatisfied with how damages and costs are handled after the move. Compared to many movers, the volume of positive feedback stands out, with far fewer complaints about broken items or unprofessional staff than industry norms. Out of 448 reviews, 93% are positive, cementing 2 Brothers as a reliable choice for stress-free moves in the Portland area.
Show more
Get a Quote (503) 516-4944

Company Info

State license #: 217157

Pricing: $216/hr

Years in Business: 16

Alternate Names: 2Brothers Services Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://twitter.com/allmysonsmoving
77% of all reviews were positive
23% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Movers with hustle and a professional touch—that’s how customers frequently describe All My Sons Moving & Storage. After reviewing 249 feedback entries, a strong 77% praise their efficient service, speedy moves, and careful handling of belongings. Most comments single out the professionalism and courteous attitude of staff, plus the ease of communication throughout the process.
Many users highlight how smoothly crews handled large or delicate furniture and how clearly they explained each step. In comparison to other moving companies, All My Sons stands out for reliable performance and quick response times. Still, 23% of feedback points to recurring frustrations. A significant number cite damage to items such as broken furniture or scuffed walls. Many report unexpected or hidden charges, often tied to packing materials or travel time not included in initial quotes. Communication gaps—like late arrivals, last-minute schedule changes, or unaddressed claims—also emerge as common complaints. Those looking for efficient, professional movers will likely be pleased, while others should review cost details closely and verify arrival times to avoid surprises. The company’s reputation for speed and quality handling places it above many competitors, though billing transparency and item care continue to impact a notable share of customers.
Show more
Get a Quote (971) 257-1799

Company Info

State license #: 253620

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281

Alternate Names: AMS Moving & Storage of Portland, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

How much does it cost to move from Portland to Seattle?

Portland movers charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,007 - $3,526 $672 - $1,507 $235 - $420
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,884 - $5,404 $1,249 - $2,290 $256 - $495
4+ bedrooms $2,499 - $6,473 $1,646 - $2,867 $301 - $581
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 173 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Oregon to Washington

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Oregon to Washington, you can expect to spend between $1,007 and $3,526. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,884 to $5,404 on the same route (OR to WA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Oregon to Washington typically runs between $2,499 and $6,473.

Cost of moving containers from Oregon to Washington

If you're relocating from Oregon to Washington, you'll typically spend between $672 and $1,507 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,249 up to $2,290. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,646 and $2,867. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Oregon.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oregon to Washington

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $235 to $420. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $256 to $495, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Oregon to Washington costs around $301 to $581.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Seattletoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Seattle can be as low as $1,007 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,847.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $235 to $516. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Seattle

Moving from Portland to Seattle comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Seattle is generally more expensive than Portland, it'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 Seattle
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,975
Average home value $522,596 $842,068
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $77,845
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $3,740
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $9,801
Unemployment rate 6.9% 4.8%
Sales tax 0.0% 10.35%
State income tax 9.9% 0.0%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Seattle, since prices are typically 29% higher than in Portland.
  • The home prices in Seattle are 61.1% higher than in Portland, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • Income in Seattle is 9.4% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Seattle — including Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale — may pay more.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 45.4% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Seattle, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 61.3% higher than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Seattle is 30.43% lower than in Portland.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Seattle, since its sales taxes are 10.35% higher than what you are paying in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Seattle is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,362.36 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Seattle

Seattle Portland
Population 737,015 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 74 81
Bike friendliness score 71 92
Crime Index 58.88 57.37
Safety Index 49.23 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Seattle is about 13% greater than Portland, 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 Seattle will be about the same as it currently is in Portland. 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.
  • Seattle neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Portland. Based on its score of 74 out of 100, Seattle isn'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 won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Seattle, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Portland. While Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, Seattle earned a 71. 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.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Seattle as Portland. 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 80–100.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Seattle than in Portland, based on Seattle's safety index of 49.23 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 Seattle 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. Seattle move

  • Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Washington 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: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Seattle. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Seattle

Ready to relocate to Emerald City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Seattle.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Ballard
  • Capitol Hill
  • Fremont
  • Lower Queen Anne
  • South Lake Union

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Greenwood
  • Laurelhurst
  • Magnolia
  • Upper Queen Anne
  • West Seattle

Things to do in Seattle

Now that you've made the move to Washington it's the perfect time to explore Seattle From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Seattle, such as the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Museum of Flight.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — 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 Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), or Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

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

Because most people are moving from Portland to Seattle 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 Seattle take?

Moving from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA covers 173 miles and usually takes one to two days Need to move faster? Some Portland movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Seattle.

Helpful moving resources