Portland to Los Angeles Movers — Best Long-Distance Companies & Cost Guide
If you're moving from Portland to Los Angeles, you already know this isn't a quick haul—it's a 963-mile commitment. Finding a Portland-based moving company that actually handles long-distance work to LA and doesn't nickel-and-dime you along the way is the first real hurdle.
I've reviewed 21 movers operating out of Portland who take on LA moves. Here's what separated the reliable operators from the rest: real customer feedback on handling, pricing accuracy, and follow-through on claims. This guide covers the top five, honest pricing ranges, and what actually changes in your life once you land on the West Coast.
Best movers from Portland to Los Angeles
- PDX Movers — 4.78 / 5
- All Service Moving — 4.58 / 5
- 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery — 4.52 / 5
- ANC Movers — 4.64 / 5
- Bellhop Moving — 4.5 / 5
PDX Movers
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | Yelp reviews: 89 | Google reviews: 680 | BBB Grade: A+
Address: 19585 SW 118th Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062
PDX Movers runs a clean operation. Of their 362 recent reviews, 89% praised efficiency, careful packing, and crews that actually communicate. You'll see them highlighted for going beyond the standard—taking time to protect homes and finishing faster than estimated.
The 9% who had problems cited damaged items and bills that climbed above estimates. A few mentioned slow response to damage claims, which tells me their follow-up process isn't bulletproof. For large, complex moves though, the feedback volume and consistency suggest they know what they're doing.
Hourly rate: $255
Years in business: 12
License: 2353055
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, crating, full-valuation coverage
Get a quote: (503) 746-8795
All Service Moving
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp reviews: 601 | Google reviews: 2,344 | BBB Grade: A+
Address: 66 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214
All Service Moving has the highest review volume in this group—2,344 Google reviews speak for themselves. Out of 771 verified reviews, 94.8% were positive. Customers consistently report that crews show up ready, finish on time, and treat your stuff and your walls with respect.
The downside: about 4% report damage and frustrating claim resolution. A handful mention late arrivals or difficulty reaching someone after the move to resolve issues. It's a small slice, but it's the slice that costs you money. Their strength is speed and professionalism; their weakness is the claims department.
Years in business: 20
License: 1863079
Alternate names: ASM LLC, All Service Moving and Storage
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, safes, antiques, art)
Get a quote: (602) 266-5266
2 Brothers Moving & Delivery
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp reviews: 204 | Google reviews: 1,423 | BBB Grade: A+
Address: 3571 NW Yeon Ave., Portland, OR 97210
This is the word-of-mouth mover. Out of 448 reviews, 93% are positive. Customers rave about quick turnarounds, polite teams, and crews who actually care about protecting your belongings. Even large moves get treated with attention to detail.
The 6% with issues report damaged goods, unexpected billing, or late arrivals. And like most movers, they sometimes drop the ball on damage follow-up. But the sheer volume of praise for efficiency and professionalism—especially compared to industry averages—puts them in reliable territory.
Hourly rate: $216
Years in business: 16
License: 217157
Alternate names: 2Brothers Services Inc
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, pianos, crating, full-valuation coverage
Get a quote: (503) 516-4944
ANC Movers
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Yelp reviews: 39 | Google reviews: 209 | BBB Grade: A
Address: 5305 NE 121st Ave #106, Vancouver, WA 98682
ANC Movers sits just north of Portland and handles the route regularly. Of 221 reviews, 88.2% were positive. Customers highlight professionalism, accurate estimates, and staff who go the extra mile. Property gets treated with respect.
The problems: 12% cite damaged goods, unexpected charges, or difficulty reaching the office afterward. That's higher than PDX or All Service, and it suggests you should ask detailed questions upfront and document everything on move day.
Years in business: 9
License: MEF181016
DOT #: 2877082
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, specialty items (pianos, pool tables, safes, art)
Get a quote: (360) 992-8702
Bellhop Moving
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp reviews: 44 | Google reviews: 118
Address: 1648 SE Tenino St., Portland, OR 97202
Bellhop skews younger and more tech-forward than the others. About 68% of reviews are positive, with customers praising speed, friendly movers, and transparent pricing. They solve problems on the fly.
The flip side: 32% report damage, canceled or late moves, and billing surprises. That's the highest complaint rate in this group. Bellhop's approach works well if you're moving a studio or small apartment and can supervise closely; for longer distances and larger loads, I'd lean toward the others.
Years in business: 12
License: 2878240
Alternate names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage
Get a quote: (866) 774-5063
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Los Angeles?
In Oregon, moving services typically cost around $171 per hour. Below are standard price ranges for hiring a full-service mover, renting a moving container, or doing a DIY truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,312 – $5,021 | $819 – $1,974 | $638 – $1,173 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,658 – $6,484 | $1,371 – $2,639 | $643 – $1,339 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,220 – $8,602 | $1,829 – $3,649 | $839 – $1,678 |
These estimates reflect a 963-mile move from Portland to Los Angeles and include fuel costs. Actual charges vary based on shipment weight, extra services, parking fees, fuel rates, and seasonality. To get an accurate quote, request estimates from multiple movers and use our moving cost calculator.
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Los Angeles
Studio or 1-bedroom: $1,312 – $5,021
A small apartment move from Portland to LA is on the lower end of long-distance pricing, but distance still drives the cost up compared to local work.
2–3 bedrooms: $2,658 – $6,484
This is the most common move size, and the range accounts for seasonal variation, packing services, and whether you need storage in LA.
4+ bedrooms: $4,220 – $8,602
Larger homes can push into the high end, especially if you have specialty items or request expedited service.
The main variables: home size, time of year (summer peaks, winter discounts), and whether you hire movers or go the DIY rental route.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Los Angeles
Moving containers give you flexibility—you pack at your pace, they haul it cross-country. Costs break down like this:
- Small move (studio / 1-bed): $819 – $1,974
- Medium move (2–3 bed): $1,371 – $2,639
- Large move (4+ bed): $1,829 – $3,649
Containers work well if you're moving over several weeks or need to store items in LA temporarily. You're not paying for labor, just transport and storage time.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Los Angeles
Truck rentals are the cheapest option—you handle everything. Fuel is the big variable:
- Studio / 1-bed: $638 – $1,173
- 2–3 bed: $643 – $1,339
- 4+ bed: $839 – $1,678
The catch: a 963-mile drive means long hours behind the wheel, potential for damage from amateur packing, and you're liable for the truck. It saves money but trades convenience for sweat equity.
Key factors that impact moving costs from Portland to Los Angeles
Home size
Room count is the biggest driver. A one-bedroom typically runs $2,341; a four-bedroom, $7,545. More stuff = more truck space, more time, more money.
Time of year
Summer (May–September) is peak season in Portland. Rates climb 15–30% during this window. Winter moves often come with 10–20% discounts, but weather delays are possible.
DIY vs. professional
Rental trucks run $638–$1,521 but require you to do all packing, loading, driving, and unloading. Professional movers cost more upfront but eliminate labor and liability.
What to know before moving from Portland to Los Angeles
Cost of living jump
Los Angeles costs about 127% more for singles and 109% more for families than Portland. Your monthly burn rate will climb significantly.
| Metric | Portland | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom rent | $1,825 | $2,603 |
| 3-bedroom rent | $3,410 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $2,368,088 |
| Per capita income | $85,876 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment | 6.9% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 13.3% |
Rent: Plan for 93% higher rents in LA. A $1,825 one-bedroom in Portland becomes $2,603 in LA.
Home prices: LA real estate runs 353% higher. If you're buying, your mortgage will jump dramatically.
Income vs. cost: Average income is 13% lower in LA despite the higher cost of living. That's the squeeze—you'll likely earn less and spend more.
Taxes: California income tax is 34% higher than Oregon's, and LA charges 9.5% sales tax (Oregon has zero). Both add measurable drag to your paycheck.
Job market: LA's unemployment sits 54% higher than Portland. Competition for work is tougher.
Daily expenses
| Item | Portland | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.77 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food meal | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Mid-range dinner for 2 | $95.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $47.76 |
Utilities are actually cheaper in LA, but groceries and dining cost more. Gym memberships run 26% higher.
Life differences: Portland vs. Los Angeles
| Factor | Portland | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 3,820,914 |
| Public transit score | 88 | 83 |
| Walkability | 81 / 100 | 69 / 100 |
| Bike friendliness | 92 / 100 | 59 / 100 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Scale: LA is nearly 6 times larger. It's a different animal—more sprawl, more traffic, more anonymity.
Transit: Similar public transit scores, but LA's transit is spread over a much larger area. You'll likely need a car in LA; Portland's transit works without one.
Walkability: Portland's compact urban core beats LA's car-dependent sprawl. If you're car-free, that changes in LA.
Biking: Portland is one of America's best bike cities; LA's infrastructure is weak by comparison.
Safety: LA is actually slightly safer statistically, though the perception differs. Both cities have safe and unsafe neighborhoods.
Air quality: Portland's air is consistently good; LA's dips to moderate, especially in summer and fall.
Practical steps before you move
Check HOA and building rules
Some buildings have elevator reservations, visitor parking permits, or move-in windows. Confirm ahead.
Understand California mover licensing
California requires movers to hold a "T Number" from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Before booking, verify the company's T Number—it confirms insurance, safety compliance, and background clearance. You can check CPUC's mover database.
Parking permits
LA requires permits for large moving trucks in many areas. Check your destination neighborhood's rules before move day.
File your change of address
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving. Start here. This ensures mail forwarding begins on your official move date.
Understand mover insurance
Movers are required to carry liability insurance, but coverage limits vary. Released Value Protection (free, basic coverage) caps liability at 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV damaged in transit gets you $15—that's it. For full-value coverage, ask your mover about additional insurance or purchase third-party protection.
Check our moving checklist
It covers everything from utilities to forwarding services so you don't wake up mid-move realizing you forgot something critical.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park: Trendy, walkable, young professional crowd
- Los Feliz: Arts scene, vintage shops, close to Griffith Observatory
- Playa Del Rey: Beach access, laid-back vibe
- Silver Lake: Creative community, hip dining and bars
- Westwood: Near UCLA, safe, lots of foot traffic
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood: Good schools, parks, relatively quiet for LA
- Eagle Rock: Affordable, diverse, village feel
- Mar Vista: Family-friendly, well-maintained parks
- Playa Vista: New development, modern amenities, tech hub
- Studio City: Great schools, village-style shopping, hills
Things to do in Los Angeles
Arts and culture
The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum offer everything from fine art to automotive history.
Outdoor recreation
Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park provide hiking, biking, and open-air relaxation—crucial in a sprawling city.
Sports
Catch the Dodgers (MLB), Lakers (NBA), Clippers (NBA), Kings (NHL), LA FC (MLS), Rams (NFL), or Sparks (WNBA). LA's sports culture is real.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Los Angeles?
Spring or fall. Demand is lower, weather is mild, and you'll typically get better rates than summer peak season. Winter moves are cheapest but weather can delay the journey.
When is the cheapest time to move?
Winter (November–February). Most people avoid it, so movers drop prices to fill the calendar. You trade convenience for savings.
How long does a move from Portland to Los Angeles take?
Two to seven days, depending on the mover's schedule and how many stops they make. Some offer expedited service; ask about that when quoting. If you need extra time, confirm storage options in LA.
Are discounts available?
Several Portland movers offer senior discounts or promotional rates. Always ask directly and verify details before booking.
Can movers handle pianos or antiques?
Not all. In Portland, 16 movers are equipped for pianos, and 10 handle antiques. Always confirm experience and packing methods for high-value or fragile items before committing.
Next steps
Get an accurate estimate by comparing quotes from multiple movers. Use our moving cost calculator to ballpark costs for your specific move size and date. Then request formal quotes from at least three of the movers listed above—you'll spot price patterns and service differences fast.
Moving 963 miles is a big decision. The difference between a smooth move and a disaster often comes down to picking the right operator and confirming details upfront. Do that, and you'll land in LA ready to start fresh instead of stressed about what's still in Portland.