Moving from Las Vegas, NV, to Portland, OR

Leaving Las Vegas

When moving 970 miles from “Sin City” Las Vegas, Nevada, to the “Rose City” of Portland, Oregon, you might be surprised to learn how similar the populations are.  

Both cities are the most populous in their states and have close to 650,000 city residents. The metro area in Vegas is a bit smaller, with 2.27 million people, compared to 2.5 million in Portland.   

While Vegas is known for luxurious casinos, hotels and live entertainment, Portland has a vibrance of its own to offer newcomers. Keep reading to learn more.

Exciting natural beauty in Portland

You’ll find that Portland has a unique cultural scene with art galleries, music venues and theatres (even if the facilities aren’t as large as the ones in Vegas). Many Oregon residents care about protecting the environment, and you’ll see why when you explore some gorgeous outdoor spaces Portland offers. 

The city is known for its flower gardens, including spaces at the International Rose Test Garden, Lan Sue Chinese Garden, Portland Japanese Garden and Washington Park.  

Other fun attractions include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Oregon Zoo and the Pittock Mansion. 

Enjoy milder summers outdoors

If the excessive heat brought you down in Vegas, you’ll be happy that Portland typically has mild summers, with highs in the low 80s. It’s perfect weather for exploring Portland’s parks and hiking trails. 

The desert environment of Vegas meant little rain, less than 5 inches per year, but the annual rainfall is generally around 43 inches in Portland. It might be time to invest in some new rain gear! 

Winter low temperatures are similar in both cities — around 36 degrees — but you have a much better chance of seeing a dusting of snow in Portland since it averages 3 inches annually. In contrast, winter precipitation is rare in Vegas.  

Adjust to the cost of living

Another Portland fact you might find surprising is that the cost of living is higher there than in Vegas, most noticeably in the housing market. You’ll want to research the best areas to fit your budget. 

Fortunately, the job market in Portland is strong, with higher average salaries and unemployment rates below the national average.  

The largest employers in the area include The Intel Corporation, the Oregon Health & Science University and Providence Health & Services. Nike Headquarters is in nearby Beaverton and employs around 12,000 residents of Washington County. 

U-Pack can help with moves to Portland

U-Pack® has nationwide service centers and more than 25 years of long-distance moving experience. We have locations near Las Vegas and Portland and are ready to help with your move. We’re a DIY service where you handle packing, loading, and unloading, and then take care of the driving. Get a free online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.