California to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Oregon

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Wildfire risks
• Water shortages

ProsOregon

• More affordable housing
• Less crowded roads
• Lush green landscapes
• Ample rainfall

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Oregon

• Fewer job opportunities
• Limited nightlife
• Fewer dining options
• Overcast weather

California

• Dynamic job market
• Entertainment galore
• Diverse food scene
• Year-round sunshine

Pros of moving from California to Oregon

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Oregon with less crowded roads
• Swap the wildfire risks of California for lush green landscapes in Oregon
• Get ready for ample rainfall in Oregon

Cons of moving from California to Oregon

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the dynamic job market in California to live with fewer job opportunities in Oregon
• You'll lose out on the pro of entertainment galore and have to settle for the con of limited nightlife
• Time to bid farewell to the diverse food scene and get used to fewer dining options in Oregon
• Swap year-round sunshine for overcast weather

California vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tripa Tacos and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Oregon residents know they have tasty Dungeness Crab and Voodoo Doughnut to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The Cheeseboard, The French Laundry, and Nopa. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Pok Pok, Screen Door, and Le Pigeon.

When comparing lifestyles, Oregon shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Oregon, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Oregon.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Oregon

• The Spanish Revival and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Oregon.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference solar panels and outdoor living spaces, Oregon real estate listings often highlight eco-friendly features and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Oregon is less walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Oregon is more bike-friendly than California.
• Oregon has less of an urban feel than California.
• Oregon housing costs are 36% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Oregon is 35.24% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Oregon

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Oregon. Oregon gets 44% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Oregon has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential floods and earthquakes in Oregon.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 5 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 20 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Oregon

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 17% less than in California
• The COLI in Oregon will be 19% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in OR is 4.75% - 9.9% compared to 1% - 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Oregon is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Oregon compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and noticeable in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Oregon

• California tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Oregon's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as pluralistic, with no single majority

Education Guide When Moving from California to Oregon

How Much Do California to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 668 miles from California to Oregon will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.