Moving from San Diego, CA, to Portland, OR

Embrace life in “Rose City”

Moving from San Diego to Portland, OR, takes you north, just under 1,100 miles. The relocation comes with a different lifestyle, climate and more in “Rose City.”

Portland’s population is 653,000, around half San Diego’s 1.4 million. There are 2.5 million people in the Portland metro and 3.3 million in the San Diego metro. 

Keep reading to learn more about Oregon’s largest city.

Prepare for cooler winters and more precipitation in Oregon

Portland winters are a bit cooler than San Diego’s mild winters further south on the Pacific Coast. The winter low temperature averages 36 degrees in Portland, while San Diego's average January lows are in the mid-40s. And while San Diego rarely gets snow, Portland averages 3 inches annually.

There is a remarkable difference in yearly rainfall, with Portland averaging 43 inches compared to San Diego's average of 12 inches. Summer highs typically peak at just over 80 degrees in Portland, similar to the mid-70s temperatures in San Diego.

Enjoy Portland like a tourist

Portland has a lot to do, whether you’re a tourist or a full-time resident. Explore your new hometown like a visitor to discover your favorites to revisit later.  

Try these attractions to get started:

  • Blue Star Donuts
  • Forest Park
  • International Rose Test Garden
  • Mount Tabor Park
  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
  • Pittock Mansion
  • Portland Art Museum
  • Powell’s City of Books (the largest independent bookstore in the world)
  • Salt & Straw (local ice cream shop)
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  • Voodoo Doughnut
  • Washington Park

Working in Portland

The cost of living is lower in Portland than in San Diego, and Oregon does not impose a sales tax. The city has a vibrant job market, especially in technology. Known as “Silicon Forest,” the region is home to a concentration of leading tech companies, including Intel, HP and Tektronix. 

Other significant industries include bioscience, education, green energy, healthcare, hospitality, outdoor apparel and precision manufacturing. 

Enjoy a stress-free move from California to Oregon with U-Pack

With service centers near San Diego and Portland, U-Pack® can help with your move from California to Oregon. We’re a DIY moving service where you pack, load and unload, and then we take care of the driving. Get your free online quote today or give us a call at 844-362-5303844-594-3077.