($1,572) Moving from Portland to San Diego

Quick answer: A move from Portland to San Diego costs $1,786 to $9,805 and takes seven-twenty-one days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 3,099-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Portland will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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

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The best Portland to San Diego moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Portland to San Diego is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Portland to San Diego.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Portland to San Diego?

Portland movers charge $135 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 $1,572 - $7,035 $1,539 - $3,658 $1,715 - $3,138
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,692 - $9,805 $2,650 - $5,609 $1,786 - $3,774
4+ bedrooms $8,918 - $14,150 $3,626 - $7,743 $2,147 - $4,681
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 3,099 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to San Diego

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 San Diego can be as low as $1,572 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $14,464.
  • 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 $1,715 to $4,143. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Portland to San Diego?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to San Diego will cost between $1,572 to $7,035. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,692 to $9,805, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Portland to San Diego will cost from $8,918 to $14,150.

How much are moving container companies from Portland to San Diego?

Moving containers from Portland to San Diego will cost you $1,539 to $3,658 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,650 to $5,609. A larger home will cost $3,626 to $7,743.

How much is a moving truck from Portland to San Diego?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,715 to $3,138. A larger move will cost $1,786 to $3,774, and a four-bedroom move from Portland to San Diego costs from $2,147 to $4,681. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Portland to San Diego

Cost of living: Portland vs San Diego

Portland San Diego
Average rent cost $2,190 $2,895
Average home value $522,252 $961,892
Average income (per capita) $62,646 $71,251
Cost of Living (single person) $2,430 $3,451
Cost of Living (family of 4) $6,125 $7,610
Unemployment rate 5.2% 6.6%
Sales Tax 5.5% 7.75%
State Income Tax 5.8% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 32% higher than in Portland.
  • Home prices in San Diego are 84.2% higher than in Portland.
  • Income in San Diego is 13.7% higher than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 42.0% higher than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 24.2% higher than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 26.92% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in San Diego are 40.91% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 129.31% higher than in Portland.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $4,260.49 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How is life different in Portland compared to San Diego?

San Diego Portland
Population 1,386,932 68,408
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 53 62
Bike friendliness score 43 68
Crime Index 23.28 19.79
Safety Index 59.1 67.22
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Diego's population is about 1,927% greater than Portland.
  • San Diego's public transportation has a similar score to Portland.
  • San Diego is less walkable than Portland with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • San Diego is less bike-friendly than Portland with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Portland's 68.
  • San Diego's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 23.28 compared to Portland's 19.79. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 23.28% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 19.79%.
  • San Diego is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 59.1 vs Portland's 67.22.
  • Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Portland it's good.

Considerations for moving to San Diego

  • Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
  • 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California 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 San Diego. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Portland movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
422 1/2 Fore St Suite #1, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 890-7475
Bisson Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME, 04092
(207) 591-1000

Visit our best long distance movers in Portland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in San Diego

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Hillcrest
  • North Park
  • Ocean Beach
  • Pacific Beach

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Carmel Valley
  • Del Mar Heights
  • Loma Portal
  • Rancho Bernardo
  • Rancho Penasquitos

What to do in San Diego

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • San Diego Zoo
  • The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
  • La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
  • Legoland
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
  • Coronado Island
  • North Park
  • Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
  • Seaport Village
  • Belmont Park
  • Pacific Beach
  • Liberty Public Market
  • Cabrillo National Monument
  • Mexican Food
  • Mission San Diego de Alcala
  • Museum of US (Balboa Park)
  • UCSD Stuart Art Collection
  • San Diego Central Library
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego
  • Grant Hill Park

Get your sports on!

San Diego is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Diego Gulls (AHL)
  • San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Portland to San Diego?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to San Diego?

Because most people are moving from Portland to San Diego 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 San Diego take?

The 3,099-mile move from Portland, ME, to San Diego, CA, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Diego.

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