Oregon to Michigan Moving Guide
Updated June 6, 2025

Planning a 2,227 mile interstate move from Oregon to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oregon vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing prices), food & health (like Dungeness Crab vs Cherry Pie), real estate & housing (craftsman vs colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Dungeness Crab and Grilled Salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Cherry Pie & Coney Dog
- Michigan housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in Oregon
- Rent in Michigan is 17.84% more affordable than in Oregon
- Moving from Oregon to Michigan will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
- Our top recommended Oregon to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving
Oregon to Michigan Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to Michigan
- High cost of living
- Frequent rainfall
- Traffic congestion
- Seismic activity
- Lower housing prices
- More sunny days
- Less traffic
- Fewer natural disasters
- Fewer tech jobs
- Less geographical variety
- Smaller wine industry
- Harsher winters
- Thriving tech industry
- Scenic diversity
- Rich wine culture
- Outdoor activities
Pros of moving from Oregon to Michigan
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing prices
- Look forward to moving away from frequent rainfall and moving to Michigan with more sunny days
- Swap the traffic congestion of Oregon for less traffic in Michigan
- Get ready for fewer natural disasters in Michigan
Cons of moving from Oregon to Michigan
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the thriving tech industry in Oregon to live with fewer tech jobs in Michigan
- You'll lose out on the pro of scenic diversity and have to settle for the con of less geographical variety
- Time to bid farewell to the rich wine culture and get used to the smaller wine industry in Michigan
- Swap outdoor activities for harsher winters
Oregon vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Oregon | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Cherry Pie |
Most popular meat dish | Grilled Salmon | Coney Dog |
Most popular street food item | Food Carts' Fusion Dishes | Street Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Bowls | Vegan Pasties |
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 Oregon to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Dungeness Crab of Oregon for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Oregon rave about their flavorful Grilled Salmon and sumptuous Food Carts' Fusion Dishes, Michigan residents know they have tasty Coney Dog and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pasties of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oregon eateries like Pok Pok, Beast, and Salt & Straw. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell's Brewery.
When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Oregon. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Michigan, compared to what you are used to in Oregon. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Michigan.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and Michigan
Comparison | Oregon | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Green spaces, Proximity to nature | Lakeside properties, Family-friendly amenities |
- The Craftsman architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Michigan.
- Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference green spaces and proximity to nature, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside properties and family-friendly amenities.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than Oregon.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Michigan is less bike-friendly than Oregon.
- Michigan has less of an urban feel than Oregon.
- Michigan housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in Oregon, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Oregonβs $497,946.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased 45% compared to a 39% increase in Oregon.
- Rent in Michigan is 17.84% more affordable than in Oregon.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Oregon and Michigan
Comparison | Oregon | Michigan |
---|---|---|
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 | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Varies |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 81Β°F / 51Β°F | 81Β°F / 59Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 47Β°F / 33Β°F | 31Β°F / 17Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 42" | 32.8" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 4" | 60.7" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oregon to Michigan. Michigan gets 18% more sunshine days than Oregon.
- Michigan has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oregon.
- Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
- The average summer high temperature in Michigan is the same as in Oregon.
- The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Oregon.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 9.2 fewer inches of rain compared to Oregon.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and Michigan
Comparison | Oregon | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $75,657 | $66,986 |
Cost of Living Index | 110.55 | 91.2 |
State Income Tax | 4.75% - 9.9% | 4.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.90% | 1.54% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Tech, Agriculture, Forestry | Automotive, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
Poverty | Low | Significant |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 11% less than in Oregon
- The COLI in Michigan will be 18% lower than what you are used to living in Oregon
- The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 4.75% - 9.9% in OR
- The affluence in Michigan is varied compared to moderate in Oregon
- The poverty level is significant in Michigan compared to low in Oregon
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Oregon and moderate in Michigan
Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. Michigan
Comparison | Oregon | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal-leaning, with strong support for Democratic candidates in recent elections | Moderately liberal, known for its swing state status with a mixture of Democratic and Republican support |
Local Politics | Progressive policies on environmental and social issues | Mix of progressive and traditional policies depending on the region |
Religion | Largest groups: Unaffiliated, Evangelical Protestants, Catholics | Largest groups: Catholics, Evangelical Protestants, Mainline Protestants |
- Oregon tends to lean Liberal-leaning in its political climate
- Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as moderately liberal, known for its swing state status with a mixture of Democratic and Republican support
- Michigan's religious environment can be described as having the largest groups: Catholics, Evangelical Protestants, and Mainline Protestants
- Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having the largest groups: Unaffiliated, Evangelical Protestants, and Catholics
Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to Michigan
Comparison | Oregon | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Oregon Oregon State University Portland State University | University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Ainsworth Elementary (Portland) Findley Elementary (Portland) Forest Park Elementary (Portland) | Harlan Elementary (Birmingham) Bates Elementary (Dexter) Deerfield Elementary (Novi) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | West Sylvan Middle School (Portland) Lake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego) Stoller Middle School (Portland) | Clague Middle School (Ann Arbor) Boulan Park Middle School (Troy) East Middle School (Plymouth) |
Top 3 High Schools | Lake Oswego High School (Lake Oswego) Lincoln High School (Portland) Corbett High School (Corbett) | International Academy (Bloomfield Hills) Troy High School (Troy) Novi High School (Novi) |
Top 3 private high schools | Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) Catlin Gabel School (Portland) The Delphian School (Sheridan) | Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) The Delphian School (Sheridan) | Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) |
Top 3 School Districts | Lake Oswego School District Corbett School District Riverdale School District | East Grand Rapids Public Schools Bloomfield Hills Schools Okemos Public Schools |
How Much Do Oregon to Michigan Movers Cost?
Moving 2,227 miles from Oregon to Michigan will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,465 | 300 ft3 | $8.22 |
1 Bedroom | $3,675 | 450 ft3 | $8.17 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,088 | 750 ft3 | $8.12 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,873 | 1100 ft3 | $8.07 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,827 | 1600 ft3 | $8.02 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,340 | 1800 ft3 | $7.97 |
Top Oregon to Michigan Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Oregon to Michigan movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.