Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Portland

The cost of Seattle 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 Seattle to Portland can be as low as $950 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,681.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $242 to $511. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Portland

Seattle Portland
Average rent cost $1,975 $1,530
Average home value $842,068 $522,596
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $85,876
Cost of living (single person) $1,446 $2,572
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,187 $6,077
Unemployment rate 4.8% 6.9%
Sales tax 10.35% 0.0%
State income tax 0.0% 9.9%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Portland are 23% lower than in Seattle.
  • Home prices in Portland are 37.9% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Portland is 10.3% higher than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Portland is 77.9% higher than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a family in Portland is 17.2% higher than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Portland is 43.75% higher than in Seattle.
  • Sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Portland are 9.90% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,336.10 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Portland

Portland Seattle
Population 652,503 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 81 74
Bike friendliness score 92 71
Crime Index 57.37 58.88
Safety Index 42.63 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Portland's population is about 11% less than Seattle.
  • Portland's public transportation has a similar score to Seattle.
  • Portland is more walkable than Seattle with a score of 81 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
  • With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Portland's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 57.37 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Portland is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 42.63 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Portland is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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: 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: 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Oregon does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Portland

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Bridgetown", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Portland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Northwest
  • Buckman
  • Goose Hollow
  • Eliot
  • Richmond
  • Pearl

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Portland

After settling into your new Oregon home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 city’s Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Seattle to Portland is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Seattle.

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

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

The 173-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Portland, OR, takes one to two days. Some Seattle movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Portland.

Helpful moving resources

Seattle moving services

Popular Washington routes

Popular moving resources