Alabama to Oregon Moving Guide
Updated June 13, 2025

Planning a 2,482 mile interstate move from Alabama to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Barbecue ribs vs Marionberry pie), real estate & housing (antebellum, craftsman vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Barbecue ribs and Pulled pork, but get your taste buds ready for Marionberry pie & Salmon
- Oregon housing costs are 120% more expensive than they are in Alabama
- Rent in Oregon is 19.77% more expensive than in Alabama
- Moving from Alabama to Oregon will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
- Our top recommended Alabama to Oregon movers is Pacific Northwest Moving
Alabama vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Alabama | Oregon |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Barbecue ribs | Marionberry pie |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork | Salmon |
Most popular street food item | Fried green tomatoes | Food carts with ethnic foods |
Most popular vegan food | Okra stew | Tempeh |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Alabama to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic barbecue ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious marionberry pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful pulled pork and sumptuous fried green tomatoes, Oregon residents know they have tasty salmon and food carts with ethnic foods to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the okra stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the tempeh of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Saw's BBQ, Highland's Bar and Grill, and Hot and Hot Fish Club. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Pok Pok, Le Pigeon, and Screen Door.
When comparing lifestyles, Oregon shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Oregon compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Oregon.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Oregon
Comparison | Alabama | Oregon |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Craftsman | Craftsman, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, porches | Eco-friendly features, proximity to nature |
- The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Oregon.
- Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and porches, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly amenities and proximity to nature.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Oregon is more walkable than Alabama.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Oregon is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
- Oregon has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
- Oregon housing costs are 120% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Alabamaβs $226,045.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
- Rent in Oregon is 19.77% more expensive than in Alabama.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Oregon
Comparison | Alabama | Oregon |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 72Β°F | 81Β°F / 55Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 57Β°F / 36Β°F | 47Β°F / 33Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 58 | 42 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1 | 33 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Oregon. Oregon gets 32% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
- Oregon has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Oregon.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 9 degrees colder than Alabama.
- The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Oregon. Oregon receives 16 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Oregon
Comparison | Alabama | Oregon |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,674 | $75,657 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 110.55 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 9.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.41% | 1.07% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 4% | 0% |
Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Agriculture, Manufacturing | Technology, Forestry, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Low | High |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 27% more than those in Alabama
- The COLI in Oregon will be 21% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
- The state income tax in OR is 9.9% compared to 5% in AL
- The affluence in Oregon is high compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
- The poverty level is low in Oregon compared to moderate poverty in Alabama
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and high in Oregon
Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Oregon
Comparison | Alabama | Oregon |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative, Republican-dominated | Liberal, Democrat-dominated |
Local Politics | Local decisions often influenced by traditional values | Local decisions tend to prioritize progressive policies |
Religion | Highly religious, predominantly Christian | Less religious, diverse religious presence |
- Alabama tends to lean conservative and Republican-dominated in its political climate
- Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as liberal and Democrat-dominated
- Oregon's religious environment can be described as less religious with a diverse religious presence
- Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Oregon
Comparison | Alabama | Oregon |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Alabama Auburn University University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Oregon Oregon State University Portland State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Greystone Elementary School (Hoover) Vestavia Hills Elementary West (Vestavia Hills) Mountain Brook Elementary School (Mountain Brook) | Findley Elementary School (Portland) Jacob Wismer Elementary School (Portland) Bonny Slope Elementary School (Portland) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Mountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook) Pizitz Middle School (Vestavia Hills) Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills) | Stoller Middle School (Portland) Lake Oswego Junior High School (Lake Oswego) Cedar Park Middle School (Beaverton) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery) Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook) Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills) | International School of Beaverton (Beaverton) School of Science & Technology (Beaverton) Corbett School (Corbett) |
Top 3 private high schools | Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) The Altamont School (Birmingham) Randolph School (Huntsville) | Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) St. Mary's Academy (Portland) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Randolph School (Huntsville) The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) | Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Delphian School (Sherwood) |
Top 3 School Districts | Mountain Brook City Schools Vestavia Hills City Schools Hoover City Schools | Lake Oswego School District Riverdale School District Beaverton School District |
How Much Do Alabama to Oregon Movers Cost?
Moving 2,482 miles from Alabama to Oregon will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-16 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Portland Movers Company
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,610 | 300 ft3 | $8.70 |
1 Bedroom | $3,892 | 450 ft3 | $8.65 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,449 | 750 ft3 | $8.60 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,404 | 1100 ft3 | $8.55 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,598 | 1600 ft3 | $8.50 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,208 | 1800 ft3 | $8.45 |
Top Alabama to Oregon Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Oregon movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pacific Northwest Moving
Best moving company overall for Alabama to Oregon