Cost guide · Updated Aug 9, 2026
Moving cost in Portland in 2026
A local 2-bedroom move in Portland runs $850 to $2,400 in 2026 — median around $1,300 for three movers and five to six hours. Portland's inner-east-side grid has some of the narrowest residential streets on the West Coast, and a curb reservation is what keeps a 26-foot truck from parking two blocks away.
Typical range
$850 – $2,400
~$1,300 for a 2-BR local move · 3 movers, 5–6 hrs
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-BR | $500 – $900 | 2 movers, 3–4 hrs |
| 2-BR apartment | $1,050 – $1,700 | 3 movers, 5–6 hrs |
| 3-BR house | $1,700 – $2,850 | 4 movers, 7–9 hrs |
| Hourly reference | $115 – $205 / hr | 2-mover $115–155 · 3-mover $155–205 |
What swings the price
- Temporary street-use permits for curb space on narrow inner-east-side blocks.
- Rain from October through May — floor protection, wrapped furniture, and slower carries.
- Basement and attic conversions in older Portland foursquares, which add a flight at both ends.
- Peak season from June through September, when the region's dry window concentrates every move.
Portland specifics
Portland gets rain on roughly 150 days a year, and from October through May a competent crew shows up with floor runners, door jamb protectors, and shrink wrap as standard equipment rather than an upsell. Ask what a company does about wet-weather protection before you book an off-season move — the honest answer is specific and unprompted. A crew that has not thought about it will track the inner east side across your new hardwood.
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FAQs
How much do movers cost per hour in Portland?
$115–$155/hr for two movers with a truck and $155–$205/hr for three. Most companies hold a three-hour minimum and add a travel charge for the round trip from their yard.
Do I need a street permit for a moving truck in Portland?
On most inner-east-side and northwest blocks it is the difference between parking at your door and parking around the corner. The city issues temporary street-use permits for curb space; ask whether your mover handles the application or whether it falls to you.
Does the rain make a Portland move more expensive?
Modestly — wet-weather protection and slower, more careful carries can add half an hour to an hour on a 2-BR job. The offset is that October through May pricing runs 15–20% below the summer peak, so a rainy weekday move is still the cheaper choice.
When is peak moving season in Portland?
June through September, when the reliably dry stretch of the year concentrates demand. Rates run at their highest and good crews book three to four weeks out. Late September still has decent weather with softening prices.
Are Portland movers required to be licensed?
Yes for moves inside Oregon — intrastate household-goods carriers hold authority through the Oregon Department of Transportation and must carry required insurance. Ask for the certificate number, and for a move across the Columbia into Washington ask about interstate authority as well.
Sources
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Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 9, 2026.