Best Portland to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Portland to San Francisco Movers

Moving from the hip, green expanse of Portland, OR, to the iconic, bustling streets of San Francisco, CA, marks an exhilarating shift in your life's journey. Leaving behind the "City of Roses" for the "Golden City" means trading lush, rain-kissed mornings for fog-shrouded Golden Gate views, each place vibrant with its distinct culture and charm. In navigating this significant transition, securing trustworthy and dependable professional movers becomes paramount, ensuring your belongings sail smoothly from one beloved city to the next. At Great Guys Moving, we leverage an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making your move as seamless as the cities you’re transitioning between.

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Best Portland to San Francisco Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.33DAuthorized For HHGContact
Northwest Grace Moving9.30A+Authorized For HHGContact
All Service Moving9.27A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
You Move Me Portland9.27NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Portland guide.

5 Best Portland to San Francisco Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
B
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 634+ data points

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Northwest Grace Moving Logo
Exceptional9.30/10
based on 605+ data points

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
All Service Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 9,065+ data points

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1863079 / 722865

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans80
Registered Drivers113
Total Annual Miles Moved1,186,786 (2022)
View Full Review
4
You Move Me Portland Logo
Exceptional9.27/10
based on 1,680+ data points

About You Move Me Portland

You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this l...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2388358 / 820850

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2020)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Portland vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into another world, but finding similarities in the local neighborhoods can ease the transition. By comparing the popular neighborhoods in Portland, OR & San Francisco, CA , this guide aims to help you navigate the nuances of your new urban landscape, simplifying your move by mapping out where you might feel most at home.

PortlandSan FranciscoHow They're Similar
Pearl DistrictSoMaTrendy, artsy vibe with lofts
Alberta Arts DistrictMission DistrictBohemian, rich in culture
Northwest DistrictMarinaHistoric homes, lively atmosphere
Ladd’s AdditionPresidio HeightsQuiet, with exclusive feel
MississippiHaight-AshburyHip, with unique boutiques
LaurelhurstPacific HeightsUpscale, with beautiful views
Sellwood-MorelandInner RichmondFamily-friendly, diverse eateries
HawthorneCole ValleyQuaint, community-focused
EastmorelandSea CliffElite, with stunning landscapes
St. JohnsBernal HeightsEclectic, with great city views

If you're captivated by the eclectic mix of boutiques and coffee shops in Mississippi, San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, with its iconic hippie history, vibrant street art, and unique boutiques like Amoeba Music, offers a similar vibrant community vibe. Meanwhile, Laurelhurst's picturesque streets and craftsman homes find their match in Pacific Heights, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge at Alta Plaza Park, or indulge in fine dining at upscale restaurants like Spruce. For those who love the family-oriented and tranquil atmosphere of Sellwood-Moreland, San Francisco’s Inner Richmond offers an array of diverse cuisines, with must-visit spots like Cinderella Bakery & Café blending a cozy atmosphere with delicious Russian dishes.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to San Francisco

Moving from one city to another presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to explore the shift from Portland, OR, to San Francisco, CA, providing a realistic depiction of the advantages and disadvantages inherent in such a relocation. By examining the pros and cons, this guide seeks to offer a balanced perspective on what this move entails.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Less job opportunities
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Lower overall costs
  • Mild weather
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • More tech jobs
  • Diverse urban experience
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Higher cost of living
  • Foggy climate
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Fast-paced life
  • Fewer parks
  • Expensive real estate
  • More impersonal
  • Heavy traffic
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Green spaces
  • Affordable housing
  • Community feel
  • Bike-friendly

The move from Portland to San Francisco carries significant changes in lifestyle and environment. For example, while Portland is known for its relaxed atmosphere and ample green spaces such as Forest Park, San Francisco offers a bustling urban experience with landmarks such as SFMOMA and Golden Gate Park, albeit with fewer overall green spaces. San Francisco's cultural scene is vibrant, with numerous restaurants like Tartine Bakery and sights such as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The tech job market in SF is significantly larger, yet the cost of living is also higher, affecting housing affordability. Each city offers unique benefits, and this move requires careful consideration of what priorities matter most to you.

Portland vs. San Francisco Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & San Francisco serves as a vital guide for those planning to move. Understanding the food scene is crucial since it reflects the local culture and daily life. Let this serve as your culinary compass to the flavors and culinary landmarks that await in your new home.

PortlandSan Francisco
Most iconic local food itemVoodoo DoughnutSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishPork BellyCioppino
Most popular street food itemFood CartsMission Burrito
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
  • Salt & Straw
  • Sotto Mare
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Swan Oyster Depot
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Portland and San Francisco both offer vibrant and distinct food scenes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. In Portland, you'll find the streets lined with food carts, such as those in the bustling areas of Hawthorne or Mississippi Ave, offering everything from gourmet sandwiches to international delicacies. San Francisco, on the other hand, prides itself on its fresh sourdough bread and bay area seafood, with iconic dishes such as the Mission Burrito found in the Mission District. Notably, both cities score high in terms of health consciousness and vegan options, with Portland slightly edging out with its variety of vegan establishments. Whether exploring the Pearl District in Portland or wandering through the historic streets of North Beach in San Francisco, you're bound to discover culinary delights that are as diverse and dynamic as the cities themselves.

Portland vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison

When embarking on a move, finding your new favorite spots can make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Portland and San Francisco is designed to ease the transition, helping you discover new eateries that remind you of your old haunts. Enjoy exploring these culinary delights in your new city.

PortlandSan FranciscoWhat You'll Love
Le PigeonState Bird ProvisionsBoth offer innovative, award-winning dining experiences.
Screen DoorBrenda's French Soul FoodFamous for brunch and Southern comfort food.
Nong's Khao Man GaiHawker FareBoth specialize in flavorful, authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.
Apizza SchollsTony’s Pizza NapoletanaKnown for their commitment to traditional pizza-making methods.
Pok PokThe Slanted DoorBoth offer an inventive take on Asian dishes in a vibrant setting.
Tasty n AlderForeign CinemaCreative menus and an artsy vibe make both spots unique for brunch or dinner.
Blue Star DonutsBob's DonutsBoth establishments are beloved for their fresh, artisanal donuts.
Luc Lac Vietnamese KitchenThe Slanted DoorKnown for modern Vietnamese cuisine with a refined flair.
Salt & StrawBi-Rite CreameryBoth are celebrated for their innovative, high-quality ice cream flavors.
Pine State BiscuitsPlowThe go-to places for a hearty brunch, especially if you love biscuits.

Among these culinary comparisons, aficionados of Southeast Asian cuisine moving from Portland to San Francisco will delight in exchanging Nong's Khao Man Gai's comforting, ginger-infused chicken for the vibrant, Lao-inspired dishes at Hawker Fare. Meanwhile, fans of artisanal donuts making the move will find Bob's Donuts an excellent San Francisco alternative to Portland's Blue Star Donuts, with both bakeries offering an array of innovative flavors and traditional favorites that draw long lines of devoted fans. In the realm of ice cream, Salt & Straw's imaginative approach to flavors finds its counterpart at San Francisco's Bi-Rite Creamery, where locally-sourced ingredients turn into unique, mouth-watering scoops, ensuring that your transition is as sweet as the treats you love.

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Portland vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a crucial role in relocating, making it imperative to understand how Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA compare. This comparison is designed to illuminate the integral aspects of housing , providing a clearer picture to aid in your moving decision.

ComparisonPortlandSan Francisco
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanVictorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEco-friendly features, large backyardsViews of the Bay, proximity to tech hubs

In assessing the housing markets of Portland, OR, and San Francisco, CA, several factors stand out. Homes in San Francisco are notably more expensive, reflecting its status as one of the priciest real estate markets in the country. This trend carries over to rental prices, with San Francisco's median rent being double that of Portland's. Moreover, San Francisco rates higher in walkability and urban lifestyle, largely due to its compact nature and comprehensive public transit system. The architectural styles also reflect each city's cultural and historical essence with Portland favoring the artisan Craftsman homes indicative of its natural, rustic vibe and San Francisco boasting ornate Victorian houses representing its rich history. Interestingly, Portland homes often highlight eco-friendly features and spacious outdoor areas in their listings, while San Francisco listings frequently boast about stunning Bay views and proximity to Silicon Valley, mirroring each city's unique appeal.

Portland vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another means adapting to a new environment, especially when it comes to the weather. Understanding how the climate in Portland, OR compares with San Francisco, CA is crucial for planning your wardrobe, activities, and even your health care needs. Here's a closer look at how these two cities stack up weather-wise.

Summer icon
81°F / 58°F

Portland, OR

70°F / 55°F

San Francisco, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Portland, OR

23

San Francisco, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Portland, OR

0

San Francisco, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPortlandSan Francisco
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, FloodsEarthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Portland to San Francisco, you'll notice a significant increase in sunny days and a milder climate overall. San Francisco tends to have cooler summers and warmer winters compared to Portland. The difference in annual rainfall is also notable, with Portland experiencing more wet days throughout the year. Understanding these variations can help you prepare for your new environment, whether that means investing in lighter clothing or planning more outdoor activities to take advantage of San Francisco's sunnier disposition.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to San Francisco

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the financial aspects of your life might be impacted. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance between Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA, giving you a better grasp of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxation, and the overall economic environment.

ComparisonPortlandSan Francisco
Avg. Household Income$79,057$121,826
Cost of Living Index111.3164
State Income Tax9.913.3
Avg. Property Tax0.910.79
Avg. Sales Tax08.5
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, Health CareTechnology, Finance, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessSignificantCritical

The financial landscape of Portland, OR, and San Francisco, CA, presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. San Francisco, with its significantly higher average household income, reflects the city's robust tech-driven economy. However, this income comes at a cost, as the city's cost of living index is over twice that of Portland's, driven by exorbitant housing prices. While Portland boasts no sales tax, providing some relief for residents, San Francisco's sales tax rate of 8.5% contributes further to its higher cost of living. Transitioning from Portland to San Francisco, you'll find yourself in a wealthier yet significantly more expensive environment, where affluence is visible but comes alongside a critical level of homelessness. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone considering making the move.

Portland vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing to move from Portland, OR to San Francisco, CA, understanding the local ambiance is crucial. This quick guide provides an at-a-glance snapshot comparing the politics between Portland & San Francisco along with insights into the religious landscape, giving you a clearer picture of your potential new surroundings.

PortlandSan Francisco
Political Make-upLiberal/ProgressiveLiberal/Progressive
Local PoliticsDemocratic leaning, activist-engagedDemocratic stronghold, high political activism
ReligionMixed, with a significant number of non-religious residentsMixed, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity

In both Portland and San Francisco, you'll find a community that values liberal and progressive ideals, illustrated by their strong Democratic leanings and remarkable levels of political activism. While both cities have a diverse religious landscape, San Francisco particularly prides itself on its inclusivity, welcoming people from all walks of life. Whether you're engaging in local politics, seeking communities of faith, or contributing to civic activities, both cities offer vibrant settings for active and engaged residents.

Portland vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Portland, OR to San Francisco, CA presents unique challenges and opportunities, especially when comparing the traffic and transportation options between Portland & San Francisco. This guide aims to help you better understand what to expect regarding daily commutes and traffic, making your transition smoother.

ComparisonPortlandSan Francisco
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)24.734.4
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with some planningEasily

In both cities, you'll find distinctive public transit systems that greatly support a car-free lifestyle. Portland boasts an impressive network that includes buses, light rail, and streetcars, making it possible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle if you plan your routes well. Meanwhile, San Francisco's comprehensive public transit system, widely recognized for its BART, MUNI buses, and historic cable cars, offers a level of connectivity and convenience that makes living without a car not only feasible but often preferable. Despite higher traffic congestion scores in San Francisco, the city's compact size and extensive public transit options provide a silver lining, offering a unique urban living experience that differs markedly from Portland's.

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