Moving from Chicago, IL, to Portland, OR

A new life in Rose City 

Moving over 2,100 miles from “the Windy City” of Chicago, IL, to Portland, Oregon, is one step in establishing a new life in “Rose City.” 

Portland is significantly smaller than Chicago, which has 2.7 million residents in the city and 9.6 million in the metro area. Portland's city population is only 652,503, and just over 2.5 million people live in the metro area.  

Portland offers a lot to look forward to. Keep reading to learn more about life in the city. 

Expect more rain and less snow in Portland

Portland experiences all seasons with cold winters and warm summers, like Chicago, but there are some differences in precipitation levels — mainly snowfall.   

Chicago winters typically reach lows of 19 degrees, and the yearly snowfall average is 35 inches. The average low temperature for winter in Portland is 36 degrees, and the city gets only 3 inches of snow per year. 

Both Chicago and Portland have summers with highs in the 80s. Portland receives around 43 inches of rain annually, compared to around 38 inches in Chicago.  

Getting around the city

If you used public transportation in Chicago, you’ll be happy to know there are options in Portland as well. There is a thorough public transit system, including buses, streetcars and the MAX light rail train.  

Portland is also among the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with multiple lanes and trails. The city is also great for pedestrians since downtown and many neighborhoods are walkable. And speaking of walking, if you have a canine companion, you and your dog will love all the dog parks and pet-friendly bars and cafes in Portland. 

Exploring Portland

When you’re ready to get to know your new town, don’t miss these attractions: 

  • International Rose Test Garden 

  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry 

  • Oregon Zoo 

  • Portland Art Museum 

  • Powell’s City of Books (the largest bookstore in the world) 

Move to Oregon easily with U-Pack

U-Pack® is the easy way to move from Chicago to Portland through our nationwide network of service centers. We have extensive experience in handling the driving, so you can focus on packing, loading and unloading.  

Request your free, no-obligation online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. We’re here to help!