Oregon to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to California

ConsOregon

• Rainy weather
• Higher income tax
• Isolated from big cities

ProsCalifornia

• Sunny climate
• More diverse job market
• Close to entertainment hubs

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California

• Expensive housing
• Traffic congestion
• Competitive job market

Oregon

• Lower cost of living
• Rich natural landscapes
• Strong community

Pros of moving from Oregon to California

• Say goodbye to rainy weather and hello to a sunny climate
• Look forward to moving away from higher income tax and moving to California with a more diverse job market
• Swap the isolation from big cities of Oregon for proximity to entertainment hubs in California

Cons of moving from Oregon to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Oregon to live with expensive housing in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich natural landscapes and have to settle with the con of traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to a strong community and get used to a competitive job market in California

Oregon vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and California

• The Craftsman architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the beach.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Oregon.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike as California is less bike-friendly than Oregon.
• California has more of an urban feel than Oregon.
• California housing costs are 57% more expensive than those in Oregon with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Oregon’s $497,946.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 39% increase in Oregon.
• Rent in California is 54.42% more expensive than in Oregon.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oregon to California. California gets 97% more sunshine days than Oregon.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oregon.
• Say goodbye to the possible rainstorms and floods in Oregon, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 5 degrees warmer than in Oregon.
• The average winter lows are 11 degrees warmer than they are in Oregon.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 21 fewer inches of rain compared to Oregon.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 21% more than those in Oregon
• The COLI in California will be 23% higher than what you are used to living in Oregon
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3 compared to 9.9 in OR
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate in Oregon
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in Oregon
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oregon and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. California

• Oregon tends to lean Liberal-leaning in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly liberal, particularly in coastal cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles
• California's religious environment can be described as having higher levels of religious affiliation, particularly Catholicism among the Hispanic community
• Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated overall and diverse spirituality

Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to California

How Much Do Oregon to California Movers Cost?

Moving 673 miles from Oregon to California 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.