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Oregon to Montana Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 869 mile interstate move from Oregon to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oregon vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Marionberry pie vs Huckleberry pie), real estate & housing (craftsman vs ranch-style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Marionberry pie and Grilled salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Huckleberry pie & Bison steak
  • Montana housing costs are 8% less expensive than they are in Oregon
  • Rent in Montana is 20.18% more affordable than in Oregon
  • Moving from Oregon to Montana will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Oregon to Montana movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

Oregon to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to Montana

ConsOregon iconOregon
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Overcrowded parks
  • Rainy weather
ProsMontana iconMontana
  • Affordable housing
  • Quieter roads
  • Expansive nature
  • Sunny skies

Montana iconMontana
  • Less cultural variety
  • Limited restaurant options
  • Fewer entertainment spots
  • Rural distances
Oregon iconOregon
  • Diverse culture
  • Farm-to-table dining
  • Portland nightlife
  • Public transport

Pros of moving from Oregon to Montana

  • Say goodbye to high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Montana with quieter roads
  • Swap the overcrowded parks of Oregon for expansive nature in Montana
  • Get ready for sunny skies in Montana

Cons of moving from Oregon to Montana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from diverse culture in Oregon to live with less cultural variety in Montana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of farm-to-table dining and have to settle for the con of limited restaurant options
  • Time to bid farewell to Portland nightlife and get used to fewer entertainment spots in Montana
  • Swap public transport for rural distances

Oregon vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOregonMontana
Most iconic local food itemMarionberry pieHuckleberry pie
Most popular meat dishGrilled salmonBison steak
Most popular street food itemTacosElk burgers
Most popular vegan foodTofu scrambleQuinoa salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
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 Oregon to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Marionberry pie of Oregon for the equally delicious Huckleberry pie of Montana. And while the locals in Oregon rave about their flavorful Grilled salmon and sumptuous Tacos, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison steak and Elk burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa salad of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oregon eateries like Pok Pok, Salt and Straw, and Voodoo Doughnut. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like The Bozeman Chophouse, Cattlemen's Bar and Grill, and Mackenzie River Pizza Co.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and Montana

ComparisonOregonMontana
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanRanch-style
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 listingEco-friendly featuresLarge plots of land
  • The Craftsman architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with Ranch-style architecture typical of Montana.
  • Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like large plots of land.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Montana is less walkable than Oregon.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Montana is less bike-friendly than Oregon.
  • Montana has less of an urban feel than Oregon.
  • Montana housing costs are 8% less expensive than they are in Oregon, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Oregon’s $497,946.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 39% increase in Oregon.
  • Rent in Montana is 20.18% more affordable than in Oregon.

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

ComparisonOregonMontana
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 DisastersFloods, EarthquakesWildfires, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 35Β°F30Β°F / 17Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4215
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3367
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oregon to Montana. Montana gets 31% more sunshine days than Oregon.
  • Montana has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oregon.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and earthquakes in Oregon, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and blizzards in Montana.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees warmer than Oregon.
  • The average winter lows are 18 degrees colder than they are in Oregon.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 27 fewer inches of rain compared to Oregon.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and Montana

ComparisonOregonMontana
Avg. Household Income$75,657$67,631
Cost of Living Index110.5599.4
State Income Tax9.9%6.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.1%0.8%
Avg. Sales Tax0%0%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Tourism, AgricultureAgriculture, Tourism, Mining
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLess visible
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 11% less than in Oregon
  • The COLI in Montana will be 10% lower than what you are used to living in Oregon
  • The state income tax in MT is 6.9% compared to 9.9% in OR
  • The affluence in Montana is modest compared to moderate in Oregon
  • The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to low in Oregon
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Oregon and less visible in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. Montana

ComparisonOregonMontana
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningRepublican-leaning
Local PoliticsMixture of liberal & conservative, cities lean liberalConservative, with some liberal pockets
ReligionLess religious overall, diverse religious communitiesMore religious, Christian majority
  • Oregon tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Montana, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
  • Montana's religious environment can be described as more religious with a Christian majority
  • Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to Montana

ComparisonOregonMontana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
University of Montana
Montana State University
Montana Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFindley Elementary - Portland
Jacob Wismer Elementary - Portland
Bonny Slope Elementary - Portland
Hawthorne Elementary - Bozeman
Chief Joseph Elementary - Great Falls
Cold Springs Elementary - Missoula
Top 3 Middle SchoolsStoller Middle School - Portland
Lake Oswego Junior High - Lake Oswego
Cedar Park Middle School - Beaverton
Sacajawea Middle School - Bozeman
Washington Middle School - Missoula
Bozeman Middle School - Bozeman
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational School of Beaverton - Beaverton
Lake Oswego High School - Lake Oswego
Corvallis High School - Corvallis
Bozeman High School - Bozeman
Sentinel High School - Missoula
Hellgate High School - Missoula
Top 3 private high schoolsCatlin Gabel School - Portland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
Valley Catholic School - Beaverton
Missoula International School - Missoula
Foothills Community Christian School - Great Falls
Petra Academy - Bozeman
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDelphian School - Sheridan
Catlin Gabel School - Portland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
Missoula International School - Missoula
Petra Academy - Bozeman
Montana Christian Academy - Kalispell
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Oswego School District
Riverdale School District
Corvallis School District
Bozeman School District
Missoula County Public Schools
Helena School District

How Much Do Oregon to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 869 miles from Oregon to Montana 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 Oregon to Montana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for Oregon to Montana

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

Elite Relocation Services

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Northwest Grace Moving featured image

Northwest Grace Moving

9.31/10
ExceptionalView details
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