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Montana to Oregon Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 869 mile interstate move from Montana to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Bison steak vs Marionberry pie), real estate & housing (rustic, log homes vs craftsman, bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Bison steak and Elk burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Marionberry pie & Dungeness crab
  • Oregon housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in Montana
  • Rent in Oregon is 25.28% more expensive than in Montana
  • Moving from Montana to Oregon will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Montana to Oregon movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

Montana to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Oregon

ConsMontana iconMontana
  • Cold winters
  • Isolated rural areas
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Lower cultural diversity
  • Sparse amenities
ProsOregon iconOregon
  • Milder winters
  • Active urban centers
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Diverse dining and arts

Oregon iconOregon
  • Higher cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Rains frequently
  • Housing competition
  • Dense population
Montana iconMontana
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Low crime rate
  • Outdoor activities
  • Cheap housing
  • Friendly communities

Pros of moving from Montana to Oregon

  • Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from isolated rural areas and moving to Oregon with active urban centers
  • Swap the limited job opportunities of Montana for a diverse job market in Oregon
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Oregon

Cons of moving from Montana to Oregon

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful landscapes in Montana to live with a higher cost of living in Oregon
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low crime rate and have to settle with the con of traffic congestion
  • Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to frequent rains in Oregon
  • Swap cheap housing for housing competition

Montana vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMontanaOregon
Most iconic local food itemBison steakMarionberry pie
Most popular meat dishElk burgersDungeness crab
Most popular street food itemHuckleberry ice creamStreet tacos
Most popular vegan foodLentil chiliVegan ramen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Lark
  • Buck's T-4 Lodge
  • Bozeman's Nova Cafe
  • Pok Pok
  • Screen Door
  • Voodoo Doughnut
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Montana to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Bison steak of Montana for the equally delicious Marionberry pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Elk burgers and sumptuous Huckleberry ice cream, Oregon residents know they have tasty Dungeness crab and Street tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan ramen of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you make one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like The Lark, Buck's T-4 Lodge, and Bozeman's Nova Cafe. 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 Voodoo Doughnut.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Oregon

ComparisonMontanaOregon
Typical Architecture StyleRustic, Log HomesCraftsman, Bungalow
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, PrivacyEco-friendly features, Proximity to nature
  • The Rustic and Log Homes architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Oregon.
  • Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and privacy, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly features and proximity to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Oregon is more walkable than Montana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Oregon is more bike-friendly than Montana.
  • Oregon has more of an urban feel than Montana.
  • Oregon housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
  • Rent in Oregon is 25.28% more expensive than in Montana.

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

ComparisonMontanaOregon
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersWildfires, SnowstormsEarthquakes, Tsunamis
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 45Β°F81Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)34Β°F / 17Β°F47Β°F / 37Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)84"11"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Oregon. Oregon gets 23% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
  • Oregon has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Montana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and snowstorms in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and tsunamis in Oregon.
  • The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 1 degree colder than Montana.
  • The average winter lows are 20 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 27 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Oregon

ComparisonMontanaOregon
Avg. Household Income$67,631$75,657
Cost of Living Index99.4110.55
State Income Tax1% to 6.9%4.75% to 9.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%1.07%
Avg. Sales Tax0%0% to 3%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, MiningTechnology, Forestry, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowerHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 12% more than in Montana
  • The COLI in Oregon will be 11% higher than what you are used to living in Montana
  • The state income tax in OR is 4.75% to 9.9% compared to 1% to 6.9% in MT
  • The affluence in Oregon is higher compared to moderate in Montana
  • The poverty level is moderate in Oregon compared to moderate in Montana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Montana and higher in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Oregon

ComparisonMontanaOregon
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative rural areas with liberal cities like Missoula and BozemanLiberal urban areas like Portland and Eugene, with conservative rural regions
ReligionChristianity dominant, with Protestant and Catholic majoritiesLess religiously affiliated, higher percentage of nonreligious residents
  • Montana tends to lean Republican 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 with a higher percentage of nonreligious residents
  • Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant, with Protestant and Catholic majorities

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Oregon

ComparisonMontanaOregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Montana
Montana State University
Carroll College
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHawthorne Elementary (Bozeman)
Chief Joseph Elementary (Great Falls)
Morning Star Elementary (Bozeman)
Ainsworth Elementary (Portland)
Findley Elementary (Beaverton)
Lake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
Washington Middle School (Missoula)
Lewis and Clark Middle School (Billings)
Stoller Middle School (Portland)
Lake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego)
Cedar Park Middle School (Beaverton)
Top 3 High SchoolsBozeman High School (Bozeman)
Hellgate High School (Missoula)
Billings Senior High School (Billings)
South Eugene High School (Eugene)
Lincoln High School (Portland)
Corvallis High School (Corvallis)
Top 3 private high schoolsCarroll College Preparatory (Helena)
Montana Academy (Marion)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Oregon Episcopal School (Portland)
Catlin Gabel School (Portland)
St. Mary's Academy (Portland)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPetra Academy (Bozeman)
Billings Christian School (Billings)
Valley Christian School (Missoula)
Oregon Episcopal School (Portland)
Catlin Gabel School (Portland)
Delphian School (Sheridan)
Top 3 School DistrictsBozeman School District
Missoula County Public Schools
Billings Public Schools
Lake Oswego School District
Beaverton School District
Portland Public Schools

How Much Do Montana to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 869 miles from Montana to Oregon will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Portland Movers Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,695300 ft3$5.65
1 Bedroom$2,520450 ft3$5.60
2 Bedrooms$4,163750 ft3$5.55
3 Bedrooms$6,0511100 ft3$5.50
4 Bedrooms$8,7211600 ft3$5.45
5+ Bedrooms$9,7211800 ft3$5.40

Top Montana to Oregon Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for Montana to Oregon

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Relocation Services featured image

Elite Relocation Services

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Moving On Up

Moving On Up

8.79/10
Top Montana to Oregon Routes

Billings to Oregon