($1,952) Movers From Portland, ME to Sacramento, CA

What to know before moving from Portland to Sacramento

Moving from Portland to Sacramento comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Sacramento 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:

• Rent prices in Sacramento are 5% lower than in Portland, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Sacramento.
  Home prices in Sacramento are 12.0% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Sacramento is 23.0% higher than in Portland, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Sacramento include Sutter Health, SynGen, and State of California.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Sacramento, since the cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is 6.6% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Sacramento, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Sacramento is 2.2% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 48.08% higher than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Sacramento, since the city’s sales taxes in Sacramento are 59.09% higher than in Portland.
• State income taxes in Sacramento are 129.31% higher than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,198.72 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Sacramento

• The population of Sacramento is about 667% 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 Sacramento 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.
• Sacramento neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Portland. Based on its score of 49 out of 100, Sacramento isn’t as walkable as Portland, which has a score of 62 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.
• Sacramento and Portland are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 67 and 68 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
• The crime rate in Sacramento is higher than in Portland, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 49.21 in Sacramento, it is 32.16 in Portland. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Sacramento. With a crime index of 50.79, Sacramento ranks lower in overall safety than Portland, whose index is Portland's 67.84. 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 Sacramento isn’t as good as it is in Portland, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Sacramento 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. Sacramento move

• Weather: Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: California doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Sacramento. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Sacramento

Ready to relocate to "Almond Capital of the World"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Sacramento.

Helpful moving resources