Movers

DC to Oregon Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 2,643 mile interstate move from DC to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing prices), food & health (like Half-Smoke vs Dungeness Crab), real estate & housing (victorian and federal vs craftsman and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-Smoke and Mumbo Sauce Wings, but get your taste buds ready for Dungeness Crab & Elk Burger
  • Oregon housing costs are 20% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Oregon is 26.42% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Oregon will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
  • Our top recommended DC to Oregon movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Oregon

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • High humidity
ProsOregon iconOregon
  • Affordable housing prices
  • Countryside tranquility
  • Moderate climate

Oregon iconOregon
  • Less diverse population
  • Limited transport options
  • Narrower job market
DC iconDC
  • Cultural diversity
  • Public transport
  • Job opportunities

Pros of moving from DC to Oregon

  • Say goodbye to high cost of living and hello to affordable housing prices
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Oregon with countryside tranquility
  • Swap the high humidity of DC for a moderate climate in Oregon

Cons of moving from DC to Oregon

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in DC to live with a less diverse population in Oregon
  • You'll lose out on the pro of public transport and have to settle for the con of limited transport options
  • Time to bid farewell to job opportunities and get used to a narrower job market in Oregon

DC vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCOregon
Most iconic local food itemHalf-SmokeDungeness Crab
Most popular meat dishMumbo Sauce WingsElk Burger
Most popular street food itemJumbo Slice PizzaFood Cart Pod Donuts
Most popular vegan foodChickpea Salad SandwichMushroom Gravy Poutine
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Ben's Chili Bowl
    • Rose's Luxury
    • Zaytinya
    • Pok Pok
    • Le Pigeon
    • Salt & Straw
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’Ŗ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie ScenešŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Dungeness Crab of Oregon. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Wings and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, Oregon residents know they have tasty Elk Burger and Food Cart Pod Donuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chickpea Salad Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Gravy Poutine of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Zaytinya. 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 Salt & Straw.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Oregon

ComparisonDCOregon
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and FederalCraftsman and Ranch
WalkabilityšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestylešŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļø
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to metro, Historic charmNatural scenery, Eco-friendly features
  • The Victorian and Federal architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Oregon.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and historic charm, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like natural scenery and eco-friendly attributes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oregon is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Oregon is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Oregon has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Oregon housing costs are 20% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Oregon is 26.42% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCOregon
Days of Sunshine per Yearā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļø
Avg. Annual HumidityšŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļø
Natural DisastersHurricanes, HeatwavesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (°F)89/7181/51
Average Winter High/Low (°F)47/2947/33
Annual Rainfall (Inches)40.843.4
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.433.0
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Oregon. Oregon gets 29% fewer sunshine days than DC.
  • Oregon has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and heatwaves in DC, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 8 degrees colder than in DC.
  • The average winter lows in Oregon are 4 degrees warmer than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 2.6 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Oregon

ComparisonDCOregon
Avg. Household Income$101,027$75,657
Cost of Living Index140.1110.55
State Income Tax8.5%9.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%0.97%
Avg. Sales Tax6.0%0.0%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, TourismTechnology, Agriculture, Forestry
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 25% less than in DC
  • The COLI in Oregon will be 21% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in OR is 9.9% compared to 8.5% in DC
  • The affluence in Oregon is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is moderate in Oregon compared to moderate in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in DC and concerning in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Oregon

ComparisonDCOregon
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticDemocratic lean, with rural areas more Republican
Local PoliticsFocused on federal governance and urban policiesEnvironmental and sustainability issues are prominent
ReligionDiverse, with Christian and non-Christian faithsLess religious overall; strong presence of non-affiliated individuals
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as a Democratic lean with rural areas being more Republican
  • Oregon's religious environment can be described as less religious overall with a strong presence of non-affiliated individuals
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with Christian and non-Christian faiths

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Oregon

ComparisonDCOregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJanney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Eaton Elementary
Bethany Elementary - Portland
Findley Elementary - Beaverton
Jacob Wismer Elementary - Portland
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Eliot-Hine Middle School
Stoller Middle School - Portland
Lake Oswego Junior High - Lake Oswego
Cedar Park Middle School - Beaverton
Top 3 High School SchoolsSchool Without Walls High School
Benjamin Banneker High School
McKinley Technology High School
International School of Beaverton - Beaverton
School of Science &​​ Technology - Beaverton
Corvallis High School - Corvallis
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
Catlin Gabel School - Portland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
St. Mary's Academy - Portland
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaret School
National Cathedral School
Georgetown Day School
Catlin Gabel School - Portland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
Delphian School - Sheridan
Top 3 School DistrictsDC Public SchoolsLake Oswego School District
Beaverton School District
Portland Public Schools

How Much Do DC to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 2,643 miles from DC 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 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Portland Movers Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,701300 ft3$9.00
1 Bedroom$4,029450 ft3$8.95
2 Bedrooms$6,677750 ft3$8.90
3 Bedrooms$9,7381100 ft3$8.85
4 Bedrooms$14,0851600 ft3$8.80
5+ Bedrooms$15,7551800 ft3$8.75

Top DC to Oregon Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best DC to Oregon movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to Oregon

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details