Key factors that impact the cost of your Sioux Falls to Portland movetoggle

The cost of Sioux Falls movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Sioux Falls to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,804, while larger moves may reach $12,804 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 Sioux Falls.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,089 to $2,835, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Sioux Falls to Portland

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

Sioux Falls Portland
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,530
Average home value $318,982 $522,596
Average income (per capita) $58,538 $85,876
Cost of living (single person) $1,770 $2,572
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,542 $6,077
Unemployment rate 3.2% 6.9%
Sales tax 6.5% 0.0%
State income tax 0.0% 9.9%
  • Rent prices in Portland are 39% higher than in Sioux Falls, 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 Sioux Falls.
    Home prices in Portland are 63.8% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • Income in Portland is 46.7% higher than in Sioux Falls, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 45.3% higher than in Sioux Falls. 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 33.8% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 115.63% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Sioux Falls.
  • State income taxes in Portland are 9.90% higher than in Sioux Falls.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,359.32 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Sioux Falls.

How life is different in Sioux Falls vs. Portland

Portland Sioux Falls
Population 652,503 202,600
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 2
Walkability score 81 38
Bike friendliness score 92 46
Crime Index 57.37 42.83
Safety Index 42.63 57.17
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Portland is about 222% greater than Sioux Falls, 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.
  • Portland offers better access to buses and trains than Sioux Falls, based on public transportation ratings. Portland has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 2 in Sioux Falls. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Portland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Sioux Falls. Portland is considered more walkable than Sioux Falls, with a score of 81 out of 100 versus 38 out of 100 in Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls is rated as 46 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Portland is higher than in Sioux Falls, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 57.37 in Portland, it is 42.83 in Sioux Falls. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Portland. With a crime index of 42.63, Portland ranks lower in overall safety than Sioux Falls, whose index is Sioux Falls's 57.17. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Portland and Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Oregon, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Oregon doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Portland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Portland

With your sights set on "Bridgetown", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Northwest
  • Goose Hollow
  • Eliot
  • Pearl

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Portland

Now that you've made the move to Oregon, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Portland. 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 Portland, such as 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€” 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 Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Portland?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Sioux Falls to Portland?

With many people choosing to move from Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls to Portland take?

Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Portland, OR covers 1,550 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Sioux Falls movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.

Helpful moving resources