Moving from Portland to San Francisco?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate 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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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Portland guide.

5 Best Portland to San Francisco Movers

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

#1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,273+ data points

El Sobrante, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 2597230 Verify

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 >>

top 3 san francisco 2024 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in san francisco 2023 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in oakland 2022 ocd moving services llc image
#2
Kora Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,517+ data points

San Bruno, CA
Local moves, Long distance moves, Packing and unpacking See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 3139436 Verify

About Kora Moving

Kora Moving, based in San Francisco, was established in 2018 by Carlos Viera, who has over 17 years of experience in the moving industry. Th...Read More >>

top 10 san bruno 2024 kora moving image
top 10 ranked movers in san bruno 2023 kora moving image
#3
Northwest Grace Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 605+ data points

Oregon City, OR
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Senior Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1999959 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in salem 2023 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2022 northwest grace moving image
#4
You Move Me Portland Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,680+ data points

Portland, OR
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 2388358 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in portland 2023 you move me portland image
top 10 ranked movers in portland 2022 you move me portland image
#5
All Service Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 9,065+ data points

Portland, OR
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 1863079 Verify

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 >>

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top 25 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top ranked movers in portland 2023 all service moving image

Relocating from Portland to San Francisco Neighborhood Guide

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 Francisco
Pearl DistrictSoMa

Trendy, artsy vibe with lofts

Alberta Arts DistrictMission District

Bohemian, rich in culture

Northwest DistrictMarina

Historic homes, lively atmosphere

Ladd’s AdditionPresidio Heights

Quiet, with exclusive feel

MississippiHaight-Ashbury

Hip, with unique boutiques

LaurelhurstPacific Heights

Upscale, with beautiful views

Sellwood-MorelandInner Richmond

Family-friendly, diverse eateries

HawthorneCole Valley

Quaint, community-focused

EastmorelandSea Cliff

Elite, with stunning landscapes

St. JohnsBernal Heights

Eclectic, 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.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Portland to San Francisco

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 item

Voodoo DoughnutSourdough Bread

Most popular meat dish

Pork BellyCioppino

Most popular street food item

Food CartsMission Burrito

Most popular vegan food

Tempeh 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

89

Abundance of Food Trucks

97

Foodie Scene

910

Vegan Friendly

109

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.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Portland to San Francisco

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.

Le PigeonState Bird Provisions

Both offer innovative, award-winning dining experiences.

Screen DoorBrenda's French Soul Food

Famous for brunch and Southern comfort food.

Nong's Khao Man GaiHawker Fare

Both specialize in flavorful, authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.

Apizza SchollsTony’s Pizza Napoletana

Known for their commitment to traditional pizza-making methods.

Pok PokThe Slanted Door

Both offer an inventive take on Asian dishes in a vibrant setting.

Tasty n AlderForeign Cinema

Creative menus and an artsy vibe make both spots unique for brunch or dinner.

Blue Star DonutsBob's Donuts

Both establishments are beloved for their fresh, artisanal donuts.

Luc Lac Vietnamese KitchenThe Slanted Door

Known for modern Vietnamese cuisine with a refined flair.

Salt & StrawBi-Rite Creamery

Both are celebrated for their innovative, high-quality ice cream flavors.

Pine State BiscuitsPlow

The 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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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Portland to San Francisco

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.

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.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Portland to San Francisco

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)

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.

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.

Political & Religious Comparison between Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA

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-up

Liberal/ProgressiveLiberal/Progressive

Local Politics

Democratic leaning, activist-engagedDemocratic stronghold, high political activism

Religion

Mixed, 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.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Portland to San Francisco

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.

PortlandSan Francisco
24.734.4

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

67

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

89

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Yes, with some planningEasily

Can you get by without car?

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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