Best Salinas to Portland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Salinas to Portland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 722 mile move from California to Oregon go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Salinas to Portland moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Northwest Grace Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas compared to Portland. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Salinas to Portland Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Northwest Grace Moving9.319.28Authorized For HHG
2All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHG
3Mod Movers8.818.1Authorized For HHG
4Poulos Moving Systems8.378.48Authorized For HHG
5Cardinale Moving & Storage7.627.06Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Salinas to Portland?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 722 miles from Salinas, CA to Portland, OR will cost on average $2,395 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Portland move is roughly $5,745. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,612300 ft³$5.37
1 Bedroom$2,395450 ft³$5.32
2 Bedrooms$3,955750 ft³$5.27
3 Bedrooms$5,7451100 ft³$5.22
4 Bedrooms$8,2761600 ft³$5.17
5+ Bedrooms$9,2211800 ft³$5.12
*Please note: These California to Oregon moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Oregon. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to OR mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Portland to Salinas guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salinas to Portland Movers

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

Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 558+ data points

19764 Cypresswood St

Oregon City, OR, 97045

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...

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
1
All Service Moving Logo

All Service Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 7,584+ data points

66 SE Morrison St

Portland, OR, 97214

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...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

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
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.81/10
based on 960+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.37/10
based on 464+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Cardinale Moving & Storage Logo

Cardinale Moving & Storage

7.62/10
based on 328+ data points

11360 Commercial Pkwy

Castroville, CA, 95012

About Cardinale Moving & Storage

Cardinale Moving & Storage is owned and operated by the Cardinale family who has lived on the Monterey peninsula for well...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Moves within California
  • Interstate moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

45193 / 138022

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
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.

Salinas vs. Portland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially when you're heading to a new city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Salinas, CA & Portland, OR . Using familiar neighborhoods from Salinas as a baseline, we help you find similar areas in Portland, making your move a little less unknown.

SalinasPortlandHow They're Similar
South SalinasLaurelhurstFamily-friendly, with a historic vibe
North SalinasSt. JohnsDiverse, community-oriented
CreekbridgeEastmorelandUpscale, with green spaces
Maple ParkIrvingtonHistoric homes, quiet streets
Monterey ParkAlamedaElevated location, stunning views
South WilsonMount TaborNature-centric, with an urban feel
Los OlivosAlphabet DistrictEclectic, dense with amenities
Harding/LaurelwoodBuckmanArtsy, with an energetic nightlife
HarrodRichmondResidential, with a mix of everything
University ParkSellwood-MorelandQuaint, with antique shops

If you're drawn to the historic charm and community feel of Maple Park in Salinas, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Portland's Irvington. With its array of historic homes and quiet, tree-lined streets, Irvington invites leisurely strolls and a deep sense of community. For those who love the nature-centric lifestyle of South Wilson, Mount Tabor in Portland offers a harmonious blend of urban living with accessible natural landscapes, perfect for those who value the balance between city life and outdoor activities. And if the eclectic and amenity-dense environment of Los Olivos is what you're looking for, Portland's Alphabet District will not disappoint, offering a vibrant array of shops, eateries, and cultural hotspots, such as Powell's City of Books, right at your doorstep.

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Things to Do in Portland

  • Hike in Forest Park
  • Stroll through Portland Japanese Garden
  • Enjoy food carts at various locations
  • Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
  • Explore Powell's City of Books
  • Sample brews on a craft brewery tour
  • Watch a movie at Cinema 21

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Portland

Moving to a new city is a significant life change that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Salinas, CA to Portland, OR, helping you weigh your options carefully. Understanding both the pros and cons will better prepare you for this exciting journey.

CONs
PROs
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less cultural events
  • Smaller community
  • Warmer climate
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Lower crime rates
  • More cultural diversity
  • Larger, vibrant community
  • Cooler, varied climate
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Less local agriculture
  • Higher living costs
  • More rainfall
  • Can feel overwhelming
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Access to fresh produce
  • More affordable housing
  • Warmer climate
  • Close-knit community

Moving from Salinas to Portland brings a mix of change, from swapping the sunny, warm weather for Portland's cooler, rainier climate, which you might find refreshing or challenging, depending on your preferences. Portland is well-known for its rich cultural scene, from the Portland Art Museum to a variety of music and food festivals year-round, offering something for everyone's tastes. You'll find that neighborhood parks like Forest Park and the iconic Powell's City of Books provide unique and enriching experiences that Salinas may not offer. Restaurants like Andina in the Pearl District or Pok Pok offer a taste of global cuisine right at your doorstep. However, you may find the higher cost of living and the adjustment to a more populous city challenging, but the opportunities and diverse community in Portland could make this move a rewarding venture.

Salinas vs. Portland Food Guide

Understanding the vibrant culinary scene is essential when relocating, as food is a significant aspect of local culture and daily life. To aid in your transition, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Salinas & Portland . This will give you a taste of what to expect in your new home, highlighting differences and perhaps new favorites to discover.

Salinas
Portland
Most iconic local food item
Artichoke
Voodoo Doughnut
Most popular meat dish
Tripas tacos
Pork belly
Most popular street food item
Elote
Food cart pod tacos
Most popular vegan food
Avocado toast
Tempeh Reuben sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Patria
  • Salinas City BBQ
  • Gino's Fine Italian Food
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
  • Salt & Straw
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Upon reaching Portland, you'll immediately notice its thriving food scene that boldly outshines many cities across the country. Iconic restaurants like Pok Pok and Le Pigeon push the boundaries of traditional flavors, offering unique dishes that reflect Portland's eclectic taste. Neighborhoods such as the Pearl District and Alberta Street are synonymous with culinary adventure, where food carts and vegan options abound. The city's high health conscientiousness rating is evident through its numerous vegan restaurants and health food stores, making Portland a paradise for food lovers with any dietary preference.

Salinas vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison

Making a new city feel like home starts with finding your go-to spots for a comforting meal or exciting culinary adventure. This comparison chart is aimed at helping you transition from Salinas to Portland by spotlighting comparable top restaurants in each city, making your move and dining explorations seamless and satisfying. Whether you're craving decadent dinners or casual bites, this guide will connect you with your new local favorites.

SalinasPortlandWhat You'll Love
Gino's Fine Italian FoodGrassaFresh, handmade pastas with unique twists
Portobello'sFarm SpiritSeasonal and sustainable dishes with a focus on vegetables
Eagle RestaurantPok PokAuthentic Southeast Asian street food style
PatriaAndinaModern Peruvian cuisine that honors traditional roots
The Grower's PubHuber’s CaféClassic American fare with historic surroundings
Salinas City BBQMatt’s BBQTexas-style barbecue known for brisket and ribs
La Casa Del SazonGueroA vibrant selection of tortas and Mexican dishes
Giorgio's Italian Food & PizzeriaApizza SchollsHigh-quality, artisanal pizzas with unique toppings
Monterey Coast BrewingBreakside BreweryWidely celebrated for their innovative and diverse beers
Taqueria El TapatioTaqueria NueveCelebrated for authentic and creative Mexican cuisine

Exploring Portland's dining scene will reveal delightful parallels to your favorite Salinas eateries. If you cherished the handmade pastas and cozy ambiance at Gino's Fine Italian Food, you’ll adore Grassa’s inventive approach to pasta dishes. Equally, fans of La Casa Del Sazon’s vibrant Mexican flavors in Salinas will find a new home at Guero in Portland, where tortas take center stage alongside an array of Mexican-inspired dishes. For those who relished the smoky, tender moments at Salinas City BBQ, Matt’s BBQ in Portland promises to reignite those pleasures with its Texas-style barbecue. Through these comparisons, your culinary journey from Salinas to Portland promises both comfort and discovery.

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Ready to start your move?

Salinas vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts

When embarking on a move, comparing the real estate aspects of your current city to your potential new home is crucial. This comparison between Salinas, CA, and Portland, OR, provides vital insights into housing costs, stylistic differences, and lifestyle. Understanding these differences will ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your priorities.

Salinas
Portland
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Ranch
Craftsman and Victorian
Walkability
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👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious backyards, proximity to agriculture
Eco-friendly features, access to public transit

In choosing between Salinas and Portland, you'll find significant differences in housing costs, with Portland offering a lower median home price and monthly rent. Portland's architecture leans towards charming Craftsman and Victorian styles, contributing to its higher walkability and bikeability scores, reflecting a more urban lifestyle. Moreover, Portland's real estate listings often highlight eco-friendly features and access to extensive public transit systems, contrasting with Salinas's emphasis on spacious backyards and its agricultural surroundings. These distinctions underscore the unique living experiences each city offers, mirroring their distinct urban and cultural landscapes.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Portland, OR

1. Alberta Arts District : You'll love the abundance of pet-friendly cafes and shops, plus the proximity to several parks and dog-friendly trails.

2. Sellwood-Moreland : This neighborhood offers you easy access to numerous dog parks and a strong community vibe that welcomes pets.

3. Pearl District : As one of the most walkable areas in Portland, Pearl District provides you with pet-friendly apartments and quick routes to off-leash parks.

Salinas vs. Portland Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for your adaptation and comfort. This comparison between Salinas, CA, and Portland, OR, highlights the key weather differences you can expect, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment.

Salinas
Portland
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Earthquakes, Floods
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

68°F / 52°F
80°F / 58°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

61°F / 43°F
47°F / 36°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

15
43
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
4


Moving from Salinas to Portland means adapting to cooler winter temperatures and more rainy days, given Portland's significant higher annual rainfall. You'll experience less sunshine in Portland but might find the summers pleasantly warmer. Air quality varies between the two, with Salinas generally enjoying cleaner air. Both cities deal with natural disasters, but the types may differ, necessitating different preparation. Understanding these differences will help you acclimate faster to your new home in Portland.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to get a grasp on how the financial aspects stack up. This comparison will shed light on the economic differences between Salinas and Portland, focusing on areas like income, taxes, and the cost of living. Understanding these variations can help you prepare financially for your relocation.

Salinas
Portland
Avg. Household Income
$80,154
$79,057
Cost of Living Index
136.4
111.3
State Income Tax
9.3
9.9
Avg. Property Tax
0.79
0.91
Avg. Sales Tax
0
0
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
Technology, Healthcare, Retail
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
High
Medium
Homelessness
Significant
Significant

Moving from Salinas to Portland, you'll encounter some financial changes. Although the average household income is slightly higher in Portland, Oregon's state income tax is also slightly higher than California's. Despite this, Portland's cost of living index is lower, which may balance the tax difference. Both cities have no sales tax, which is a financial bonus. The industries powering each city's economy differ, with Portland having a strong tech sector. Both Salinas and Portland face challenges with homelessness, but the overall affluence levels and poverty rates suggest a slight economic advantage for residents moving to Portland.

Salinas vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot focusing on the political and religious makeup of the residents between Salinas & Portland. Moving from one city to another can bring about a culture shift, and understanding these aspects can ease the transition.

Salinas
Portland
Political Make-up
Lean Democrat
Strongly Democrat
Local Politics
Community-focused, agricultural emphasis
Progressive, environmental emphasis
Religion
Catholic and Protestant majorities
Less religiously affiliated, diverse beliefs

In both Salinas and Portland, the political landscape leans Democratic, but with Portland having a reputation for being more strongly aligned with progressive and environmental causes, you may find the local political discussions and priorities differing significantly. For instance, while Salinas' politics often revolve around agricultural issues, reflecting its role in the Salad Bowl of America, Portland's politics are more likely to focus on urban sustainability and green initiatives. On the religious front, Salinas has a more pronounced presence of Catholic and Protestant communities, typical for many areas of California. In contrast, Portland stands out for its higher percentage of residents identifying as non-religious, fostering a more diversified spiritual landscape that might include everything from traditional religions to more eclectic beliefs. Understanding these nuances can help you anticipate the cultural shift as you move.

Salinas vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Salinas, CA to Portland, OR can bring about significant changes, especially when it comes to your daily commute and traffic situations. This comparison between Salinas & Portland is designed to help you better understand what to expect in terms of traffic and transportation options

Salinas
Portland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
24
26
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
8 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Easier

When moving from Salinas to Portland, you'll notice that the average commute time is slightly longer in Portland, reflecting its denser urban environment and more robust public transportation options. Portland's higher score in traffic congestion can be attributed to its more compact city layout and heavier reliance on transit during peak hours. However, the higher availability of public transit in Portland — with services like TriMet, including buses and light rail — makes getting around without a car much more feasible than in Salinas. The shift might be challenging at first, especially if you're used to relying on a personal vehicle, but Portland's infrastructure supports a more diverse range of commuting options.

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