Moving to Oregon from California Benefits, Cost & More

* Average moving cost is based on a 2,000 mile two-bedroom move. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

• Discover the Best Moving Companies in Oregon
• Discover the Best Moving Companies in California

Should You Move from California to Oregon?

Generally speaking, moves are a stressful endeavor. We’ve broken down every major economic and comfort factor ahead of your move between the two states.

Housing Costs

Housing along the West Coast is generally expensive, but you’ll see a dramatic dip in overall housing costs when you move to Oregon. This is demonstrated by the average figures below:

• Home Cost: Median home costs in Portland are $346,500 lower than those in greater LA County in California. While they’re both well above the US median of $374,900, Oregon is the far more budget-friendly of the two for homeowners.
• Rent: The average rent prices above reflect averages from the same two general areas within California and Oregon. The average apartment sizes are fairly close, which further highlights the $896 per month difference.
• Utilities: Surprisingly, you’ll stand to pay $41 more for utilities each month in Oregon versus its southern neighbor.

Cost of Living

Generally speaking, residents stand to save 13.9% annually when living in Oregon versus California. Costs there dip dramatically, with childcare being the most relatively affordable.

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• Food, entertainment, and clothing: Both groceries and meals out at a restaurant are far cheaper in Oregon, at more than 9% more affordable. At 5.1% lower, clothing sees the single smallest change in price between California and Oregon.
• Transportation: Gas prices are on the rise everywhere in the US. However, the 15% difference in fuel costs is among the many reasons for Oregon’s lower relative transportation costs.
• Taxes: Taxation is one of the main reasons many residents depart California. Oregon’s income taxes are relatively low, with no sales tax on goods throughout the state. That said, excise and property taxes and taxes on gasoline and alcohol mean that the overall burden for living here can be high.

Weather & Climate

California and Oregon are both well-known for their respective climates. California’s numerous climate zones and Mediterranean feel on the coast are countered by Oregon’s Pacific Northwestern, stereotypically rainy weather. Here are some key differing points between the two:

Job Opportunities

If you’re moving for the sake of work, then Oregon makes more sense as a home than does California. While the Golden State’s climate for workers has been improving, Oregon still has it beat.

• Unemployment Rates: California’s current unemployment rate sits at 5.8% and has been steadily dropping since the height of the pandemic. However, Oregon’s 4.2% shows indicators of continued and steeper improvement.
• Median Wages: Median household income is markedly higher in California: $75,235 vs. $62,818. This is largely a reflection of the far higher living costs to the south.

Things to Do

Both states have a wealth of recreational activities available to residents. While California has the edge in tourist attractions, Oregon offers more to those who would prefer to live more off the beaten path.

• California: Whether you’re in the mood for surfing along the state’s world-famous beaches or are looking to tour Hollywood or Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll never have a shortage of activities to explore.
• Oregon: Oregon residents pride themselves on their green lifestyles and low impact on the environment. For this reason, bike riding is high on the list of popular activities here, with plenty of biking trails available in urban and suburban areas. Beyond this, there are plenty of natural and other attractions to keep you occupied. From visiting the Portland Japanese Garden, photographing Thor’s Well, hiking Crater Lake National Park, and far more, you’ll find Oregon is a beautiful place to call home.

Lifestyle & Culture

Both states are, generally speaking, expensive places to live. That said, Oregon will present far more affordable options for most. The Beaver State’s reputation as a hippie haven is well-deserved, especially in Portland. However, you can find diversity of background and opinion here, just as you can anywhere else. Stunning coastline and plenty of bike riding opportunities await if you opt for a move to Oregon.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from California to Oregon?

The first step in determining your moving budget will be to determine the exact type of move that is right for you.

• Full-Service Moving Companies: A full-service mover will always be the most convenient option for any relocation. These companies come fully equipped to handle any add-on service you could need. If your budget allows it, this method of moving will lead to far less stress throughout the entire process.
• Container Services: Container providers allow for a more free-flowing move at your own pace. You’ll have the option of hiring moving labor to help with your relocation but will be largely responsible for safely getting your goods into your chosen container. The reduced cost and liability on the part of the consumer make these a popular choice.
• Moving Truck Rental: A purely DIY move will come at the lowest possible cost to you. That said, you will be entirely liable for your goods, from the start of the move to its completion.

The prices here reflect moving rates for moves between 500 and 1,000 miles. The latter distance reflects the upper end of long-distance moves between Oregon and California and should be viewed as maximum average price points. However, your move could still cost more, depending on your exact service needs.

Cost Factors

The following are worth your consideration when getting quotes from moving companies, as they could have a significant impact on your price.

• Season: The height of the moving season is between May and September. During these warmer months, you’ll see higher demand for movers, invariably leading to higher rates.
• Advance Booking: Last-minute booking of a move could also lead to increased costs. You should aim to book your move at least a month ahead of time to avoid potential convenience fees or increased rates.
• Move Distance & Shipment Weight: These two factors are used to calculate line-haul charges for long-distance moves. For most long-distance movers, weight will have a far greater impact on cost than volume.
• Service Requirements: If you need an add-on, such as packing, crating, or other such services, you’ll definitely see higher price points for your move. These should be discussed when getting quotes.

Best Places to Live in Oregon

Here are some of the best places to live in the Beaver State:

1. Bethany, OR: Bethany, Oregon, is one of Portland’s most sought-after suburbs. With a population of just over 20,000, it offers a fairly quiet atmosphere, with ready access to big-city amenities. The median home value is $665,000 and has experienced a sharp upward trend in recent years. However, a median household income of $111,000 more than balances this out. If you can afford life in Bethany, you’ll find it well worth the money.
2. Northwest Heights, OR: A neighborhood within Portland, rather than a town unto itself, Northwest Heights checks in at just over 10,000 people. Similarly, high home values match one of the highest homeownership rates in the state. This location presents even easier access to the city center than Bethany, with an even more insular feel.
3. Healy Heights, OR: Healy Heights is another Portland neighborhood with similarly high home values. It presents excellent safety ratings for the in-demand and exclusive housing market. Even renters will have to carefully consider moving here, as monthly rent exceeds $2,500.
4. Bridlemile, OR: This neighborhood on the Portland outskirts presents far more affordable housing, with plenty of restaurants and other attractions to keep residents engaged. Median rents of $1,059 sit right at the national average, making it affordable for many.
5. Collins View, OR: Collins View is a peaceful Portland neighborhood that places education at a premium. A high percentage of adult residents have a degree of some kind, while the local schools are top-notch. Median home values exceed $700,000 here, but rent is fairly affordable at a median of $1,144.

How to Choose a Moving Company

When you get quotes from moving companies in your area, you should consider:

• Service Profile: At the beginning of your moving process, you’ll take an inventory of your home. This should occur around eight weeks before moving day and include a list of add-on services you may need. Discuss these with your customer service representatives during your estimates.
• Agreeable Pricing: Get estimates from each mover you consider. Doing this will ensure that you can book at the best price.
• Customer Reviews: Look up third-party reviews for all movers on your radar. Doing this will clue you in on each company’s strengths and weaknesses and make evaluating them far easier. Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and social media are all good sources.
• FMCSA Registration: All interstate moving companies have to carry federal registration. Aside from FMCSA registration, they also have to have active USDOT and MC numbers. These can be used to look up a given mover’s registration status and complaint history through this link.
• Workers’ Compensation: All moving companies have to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This protects consumers in the event of a work-related injury during a move.
• Released Liability Coverage: This provides for baseline reimbursement for lost or damaged goods. The $0.60 per pound per item rate won’t cover the value of most goods. However, valuation coverage is available from most movers at an added cost.

Start Planning Your Move Today

You should get quotes from any moving company you consider for your relocation. Conduct a thorough home inventory around eight weeks ahead of your move while researching movers near you. All movers offer quotes as a free service, so you should take full advantage to hunt for the best possible price.