How Much Does It Cost to Move from California to Oregon?
Los Angeles to Portland is 960 miles up the I-5 corridor. Full-service movers average $4,200. DIY with a rental truck runs $1,300-1,700. This popular northbound route attracts those seeking Portland's slower pace and lower housing costs while staying on the West Coast. Oregon has no sales tax, an added perk for new residents.
California to Oregon Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $4,200 |
| DIY rental truck | $1,300 |
| Distance | 960 miles |
| Transit time (movers) | 2 days |
| DIY savings vs. movers | $2,900 |
DIY vs. Movers: Which Is Right for This Move?
Choose DIY if: You're moving a small amount of belongings, have friends who can help at both ends, are comfortable driving a large truck over a long distance, and have flexibility on timing.
Choose movers if: You have a full household, valuable or fragile items, limited time off work, or you simply don't want the stress of driving a 26-foot truck across multiple states.
Hybrid option: You pack and load, movers drive. This saves 30–40% vs. full-service movers while eliminating the hardest part — driving. Look for "you-pack, we-drive" or portable storage container services.
What's Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote
Most long-distance mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They do not automatically include:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets) — add $100–400
- Packing service (movers do the packing) — add $400–1,200
- Storage if delivery is delayed — add $100–300/month
- Stair and elevator fees at origin or destination
- Long carry surcharges if trucks can't park close
Get Your California to Oregon Moving Estimate
Use the free calculator to build a complete budget — movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, and all the costs that don't show up in the base quote.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Explore Origin & Destination
FAQ — California to Oregon Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move California to Oregon?
Moving California to Oregon costs an average of $4,200 with full-service movers. A DIY rental truck runs approximately $1,300 including fuel.
How long does it take to move California to Oregon?
Transit time for a California to Oregon move is typically 2 days for professional movers. DIY driving takes the same time but requires you to drive the truck yourself.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or DIY for a California to Oregon move?
DIY saves roughly $2,900 on a California to Oregon move ($1,300 vs. $4,200). However, DIY requires your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage. For long routes, full-service movers often make more sense for families with lots of furniture.
How many miles is a California to Oregon move?
The California to Oregon route covers approximately 960 miles. Long-distance movers price by weight plus mileage — expect the mileage component to add $700–1,500 on top of the base weight-based price.
What should I budget for a California to Oregon move?
Budget $4,200 for professional movers or $1,300 for DIY. Add $500–1,000 for packing materials, lodging en route, and contingency costs that most quotes don't include.
How far in advance should I book movers for a California to Oregon move?
Book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (May–September), 3–4 weeks for off-peak moves. Long-distance movers fill up faster than local companies — especially for popular routes like this one.