Best Portland to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Portland to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 998 mile move from Oregon to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Portland to Riverside 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 Pure Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland compared to Riverside. 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 Portland to Riverside Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
2Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
3Northwest Grace Moving9.319.28Authorized For HHG
4All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHG
5Comfortable Moving9.179.55Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 998 miles from Portland, OR to Riverside, CA will cost on average $2,630 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Riverside move is roughly $6,319. 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$1,768300 ft³$5.89
1 Bedroom$2,630450 ft³$5.84
2 Bedrooms$4,346750 ft³$5.79
3 Bedrooms$6,3191100 ft³$5.74
4 Bedrooms$9,1111600 ft³$5.69
5+ Bedrooms$10,1601800 ft³$5.64
*Please note: These Oregon to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Oregon & California. 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 OR to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Portland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Portland to Riverside Movers

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

Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,011+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
4
Comfortable Moving Logo

Comfortable Moving

Exceptional9.17/10
based on 624+ data points

3305 Main St # 023

Vancouver, WA, 98663

About Comfortable Moving

Comfortable Moving is a family-owned and operated moving business providing residential and commercial moving services since 2017. Based in Vancouver, WA,...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/23/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3236736 / 1015844

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved14,000 (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. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To help bridge this gap, we've created a comparison to match you with areas in Riverside, CA that share the vibe, amenities, and lifestyle of your favorite Portland, OR spots. This comparison of local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Riverside, CA aims to simplify your transition by finding a slice of home in your new city.

PortlandRiversideHow They're Similar
Pearl DistrictDowntown RiversideRich cultural scene, historic landmarks
Alberta Arts DistrictWood StreetsVibrant community, artistic vibe
Nob HillAlessandro HeightsUpscale living, boutique shopping
HawthorneCanyon CrestEclectic shopping, outdoorsy lifestyle
Mississippi AvenueMission GroveTrendy, with local eateries and shops
Sellwood-MorelandOrangecrestFamily-friendly, with a strong sense of community
LaurelhurstVictoriaHistoric homes, leafy streets
EastmorelandHawarden HillsElegant homes, lush landscapes
Northwest DistrictUniversityDiverse, near higher education
RichmondLa SierraCulturally diverse, vibrant community life

For those moving from Portland's Hawthorne neighborhood, renowned for its unique stores and liberal vibe, Riverside's Canyon Crest offers a similar eclectic shopping experience with a touch of outdoor adventure thanks to nearby Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park. If you're drawn to the historic and leafy streets of Laurelhurst in Portland, you'll appreciate the charm of Riverside's Victoria neighborhood. Here, spots like the Victoria Club contribute to the area's exclusive feel, while maintaining a close connection to Riverside's rich history. The city's University neighborhood mirrors Portland's Northwest District, offering a diverse community with easy access to education and culture, best exemplified by the presence of the University of California, Riverside. Each Riverside neighborhood provides unique facets that reflect the cherished qualities of Portland's much-loved districts.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Riverside

Moving between cities is a major decision that requires weighing the advantages against the drawbacks. This guide aims to provide an ~honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating~ from Portland, OR to Riverside, CA . By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher rainfall
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less diversity
  • Higher cost of living
  • Cooler summers
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Sunnier days
  • Larger urban feel
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Lower cost of living
  • Warmer summers
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Less greenery
  • Fewer dining options
  • Smaller arts community
  • More car dependency
  • Fewer specialty coffee shops
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Abundant green spaces
  • Vibrant food scene
  • Creative arts scene
  • Bike-friendly streets
  • Strong coffee culture

Moving from Portland to Riverside introduces you to a dynamic blend of cultures and cuisines. Riverside's downtown area resonates with cultural diversity, offering a range of restaurants like the renowned Tio's Tacos, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and eclectic art installations. While you might miss Portland's lush greenery and extensive bike paths, Riverside compensates with unique attractions such as the historic Mission Inn and the picturesque UCR Botanic Gardens. Though the arts scene in Riverside might feel smaller, the Riverside Art Museum and local events keep the creative spirit alive. Overall, moving to Riverside offers an exciting new environment with its own set of unique opportunities and experiences.

Portland vs. Riverside Food Guide

Food is an essential part of experiencing a city's culture and understanding what everyday life might look like. Highlighting the importance of culinary experiences in any move, we’ve made a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, OR & Riverside, CA to help you become more familiar with the food scene in your new home.

Portland
Riverside
Most iconic local food item
Dungeness Crab
California Citrus (Oranges)
Most popular meat dish
Portland-Style Brisket
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Voodoo Doughnuts
Street Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Tempeh Reuben
Avocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Pok Pok
  • Screen Door
  • Le Pigeon
  • Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood
  • Tio's Tacos
  • Market Broiler
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Portland is well-known for its vibrant food scene that emphasizes local ingredients and innovation. If you cherish a deep appreciation for farm-to-table dining, artisan coffee shops, and a comprehensive range of vegan options, Portland offers places like Screen Door in Eastside for Southern-inspired dishes or Le Pigeon for French cuisine. Transitioning to Riverside, you'll notice a shift towards foods that leverage its rich citrus heritage and Mexican influences, with establishments such as Tio's Tacos offering authentic street food experiences and Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood for a more upscale dining experience. The foodie landscape in Riverside might be less dense than Portland's, but it prides itself on diverse, quality choices highlighting local flavors and freshness.

Portland vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. If you’re moving from Portland, OR, to Riverside, CA, and worry about missing your favorite Portland eateries, fear not. This restaurant comparison will help you find comfort and culinary delight by matching top Portland restaurants to their Riverside equivalents, ensuring a seamless foodie transition between cities .

PortlandRiversideWhat You'll Love
Le PigeonMario's PlaceOffers innovative French and Italian cuisines that mirror Le Pigeon's approach
Pok PokOak & MainRenowned for its Southeast Asian flavors, similar to Pok Pok's authentic Thai dishes
Screen DoorThe Salted PigKnown for Southern-inspired dishes, parallels Screen Door's comfort food classics
Toro BravoAnchos Southwest Grill & BarOffers a selection of Spanish-infused dishes reflecting Toro Bravo’s style
Apizza SchollsWoodfire CafeFamous for their wood-fired pizzas, echoing Apizza Scholls' artisanal approach
Nong's Khao Man GaiBaan ThaiOffers a focus on traditional Thai chicken and rice, similar to Nong's specialty
Tasty n AlderSimple Simon'sBistro-style dining with an emphasis on hearty, eclectic American fare similar to Tasty n Alder
Salt & StrawA La MinuteArtisanal ice cream with unique flavors, reminiscent of Salt & Straw's innovative approach
Blue Star DonutsDonut BarOffers gourmet donuts that mirror the creativity and quality of Blue Star Donuts
Pine State BiscuitsCrusty's Biscuits & GravyDelivers comfort food with a focus on biscuits, similar to Pine State Biscuits

For those who have cherished the innovative French and Italian fusion at Le Pigeon in Portland, Mario's Place in Riverside offers a comparable culinary experience with its own unique twist. And if the thought of leaving behind Portland’s famed artisanal ice cream has you worried, Riverside’s A La Minute will surely become your new go-to spot for creative, handcrafted scoops. Similarly, fans of Apizza Scholls' legendary wood-fired pizzas will find solace in the similarly exceptional pies served up at Woodfire Cafe. Each Riverside establishment provides a unique dining experience that echoes the diverse and vibrant flavors Portlanders have come to love, ensuring you never miss a beat in your culinary journey.

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Ready to start your move?

Portland vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences the decision-making process when moving. Understanding how Portland, OR and Riverside, CA stack up in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle factors is crucial. This comparison aims to clarify these points for you.

Portland
Riverside
Typical Architecture Style
Craftsman
Spanish Revival
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Eco-friendly features
Large backyards

When examining the housing markets of Portland and Riverside, the contrasts and similarities offer a multifaceted view. Portland, with its slightly more affordable median home prices and rent, also tends towards eco-friendly features in homes, reflecting the city's overall environmental consciousness. The architecture often involves Craftsman-style homes that blend well with the lush, green surroundings. Riverside, meanwhile, leans towards the higher end of housing costs with a distinct preference for Spanish Revival architecture, which complements its dry, warm climate. Homes in Riverside typically boast large backyards, making it a desirable trait for those prioritizing outdoor space. Both cities showcase unique lifestyles influenced vastly by their geography and climate, impacting walkability and bikeability scores. Choosing between Portland's vibrant, eco-focused urban life and Riverside’s laid-back, spacious suburban feel ultimately depends on your personal lifestyle preferences and priorities.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

1. Canyon Crest : You’ll love the abundant parks and green spaces perfect for walking your pet, along with many pet-friendly apartment complexes.

2. Orangecrest : Your furry friend will enjoy extensive walking trails and a welcoming community with several pet-friendly establishments.

3. Mission Grove : Experience a pet-friendly atmosphere with dedicated dog parks and a vibrant community that hosts pet-related events.

Portland vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

Moving between cities requires adapting to new environments, and understanding the weather differences is crucial for a smooth transition. Comparing the climate between Portland, OR, and Riverside, CA, highlights what changes you can expect and how to prepare. This comparison will help you acclimate from the Pacific Northwest to Southern California.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

80°F / 58°F
94°F / 64°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

47°F / 36°F
68°F / 43°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36
11
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

4
0


Transitioning from Portland's cooler, more humid climate to Riverside's warmer, drier conditions represents a significant change. Riverside enjoys nearly double the days of sunshine compared to Portland, which invites more outdoor activities but also introduces a higher UV index, necessitating more diligent sun protection. While Portland residents might be used to preparing for rainstorms and occasional snow, moving to Riverside means adapting to the risks of earthquakes and wildfires. This adjustment includes understanding new emergency preparedness measures. Moreover, the stark difference in annual rainfall underscores a shift from the lush, green surroundings of the Pacific Northwest to the arid landscapes of Southern California, affecting everything from daily wardrobe choices to landscape maintenance.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from Portland, OR to Riverside, CA, it's crucial to weigh the financial implications of such a decision. Getting a grip on the cost of living, taxes, and income potential in Portland and Riverside can vastly influence your budgeting and lifestyle in your new locale.

Portland
Riverside
Avg. Household Income
$79,057
$76,558
Cost of Living Index
111.3
112.5
State Income Tax
9.9
13.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.91
0.79
Avg. Sales Tax
0
8.75
Top 3 Industries
Tech, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education
Affluence
Relatively affluent
Moderately affluent
Poverty
Noticeable
Comparatively lower
Homelessness
High
Moderately high

When you're moving from Portland to Riverside, it's important to note the difference in the cost of living, which is significantly higher in Portland due to various factors, including housing costs. While the average household income in Portland is higher, Riverside offers a more affordable living situation with a lower cost of living index. However, California’s higher state income tax rate may offset some of these cost benefits. The absence of a sales tax in Portland is another financial nuance to consider. Additionally, both cities host robust economies, but the leading industries vary, which could influence job opportunities in your field.

Portland vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to this quick, at-a-glance snapshot designed to give you a glimpse into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Portland & Riverside . This comparison aims to help you understand the local community vibes you’re shifting from and to.

Portland
Riverside
Political Make-up
Liberal
Moderate to Conservative
Local Politics
Heavily Democratic
Mix of Republican and Democratic
Religion
Eco-conscious and Unitarian influence
Mixed, with a strong Evangelical presence

Portland is known for its strongly liberal and Democratic tendencies, which are reflected in its local politics and initiatives. Spirituality in Portland often intertwines with eco-consciousness, leading to unique religious expressions like those found within the Unitarian community. On the other hand, Riverside presents a more balanced political landscape, with its population holding moderate to conservative views. Moreover, the religious scene in Riverside includes a significant evangelical Christian influence, alongside other faith communities. This divergent social fabric between Portland and Riverside speaks to the distinct local cultures and values that could influence your adaptation and integration into your new home.

Portland vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Portland, OR to Riverside, CA? This guide's purpose is to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like by comparing the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Riverside.

Portland
Riverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
30
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes, with some effort
No, it's challenging

In Portland, the average commute time is slightly shorter than in Riverside, and the city experiences less traffic congestion. Public transit, including buses and the MAX Light Rail, is readily available, making it feasible to live without a car if you're willing to put in some effort. In contrast, Riverside's public transit options are more limited, which means relying on a car for daily commutes is almost a necessity. Understanding these differences can help you plan your move and daily commutes in your new city.

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