Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Modestotoggle

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 Modesto can be as low as $1,515 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,715.
  • 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 $582 to $1,450. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Modesto

Portland Modesto
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,800
Average home value $522,596 $442,362
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $67,011
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $2,312
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $5,946
Unemployment rate 6.9% 8.0%
Sales tax 0.0% 8.88%
State income tax 9.9% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Modesto are 18% higher than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Modesto are 15.4% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Modesto is 22.0% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Modesto is 10.1% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Modesto is 2.2% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Modesto is 15.94% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Modesto are 8.88% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in Modesto are 34.34% higher than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,696.73 in Modesto to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Modesto

Modesto Portland
Population 218,464 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 48 81
Bike friendliness score 48 92
Crime Index 65.76 57.37
Safety Index 34.24 42.63
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Modesto's population is about 67% less than Portland.
  • Modesto's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 8.
  • Modesto is less walkable than Portland with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
  • Modesto has a bike-friendliness score 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
  • Modesto's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 65.76 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • Modesto is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 34.24 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in Modesto is moderate, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Modesto move

  • Weather: Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers.
  • 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 โ€œT Numberโ€ 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 Modesto. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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.

Where to live in Modesto

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Great Neighbors", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Modesto.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown Modesto
  • College Area
  • McHenry Village
  • Northwest Modesto
  • Airport

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Del Rio
  • Dutch Hollow
  • La Loma
  • Village One
  • Sherwood Forest

Things to do in Modestotoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Modesto has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Modesto is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Great Valley Museum, McHenry Museum, and Mistlin Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Tuolumne River Trail โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Modesto Nuts (California League) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Portland to Modesto 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 Modesto?

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

The 654-mile move from Portland, OR, to Modesto, CA, takes one to six 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 Modesto.

Helpful moving resources