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Oregon to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 359 mile interstate move from Oregon to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oregon vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high state taxes vs no state income tax), food & health (like Marionberry Pie vs Apple Varieties), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs northwest contemporary, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Marionberry Pie and Dungeness Crab, but get your taste buds ready for Apple Varieties & Cedar-planked Salmon
  • Washington housing costs are 19% more expensive than they are in Oregon
  • Rent in Washington is 11.67% more expensive than in Oregon
  • Moving from Oregon to Washington will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Oregon to Washington movers is Seattle Moves & More

Oregon to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to Washington

ConsOregon iconOregon
  • High state taxes
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Limited city transit
  • Higher housing costs
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • No state income tax
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Better public transit
  • More housing options

Washington iconWashington
  • Less coastline
  • More urban density
  • Higher crime rates
  • More rain and clouds
Oregon iconOregon
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Cozy small towns
  • Low property crime rates
  • Strong wine industry

Pros of moving from Oregon to Washington

  • Say goodbye to high state taxes and hello to no state income tax
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer tech jobs and moving to Washington with a thriving tech industry
  • Swap the limited city transit of Oregon for better public transit in Washington
  • Get ready for more housing options in Washington

Cons of moving from Oregon to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful coastlines in Oregon to live with less coastline in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cozy small towns and have to settle for the con of more urban density
  • Time to bid farewell to low property crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Washington
  • Swap a strong wine industry for more rain and clouds

Oregon vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOregonWashington
Most iconic local food itemMarionberry PieApple Varieties
Most popular meat dishDungeness CrabCedar-planked Salmon
Most popular street food itemPok Pok WingsSeattle Dog
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenPhở Chay
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Le Pigeon
  • Pok Pok
  • Tasty n Alder
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 Washington, you will be trading the iconic Marionberry Pie of Oregon for the equally delicious Apple Varieties of Washington. And while the locals in Oregon rave about their flavorful Dungeness Crab and sumptuous Pok Pok Wings, Washington residents know they have tasty Cedar-planked Salmon and Seattle Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Phở Chay of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oregon eateries like Le Pigeon, Pok Pok, and Tasty n Alder. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Mamnoon, and The Herbfarm.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and Washington

ComparisonOregonWashington
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchNorthwest Contemporary, Craftsman
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, Proximity to natureSmart home features, Views of nature
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Contemporary and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and proximity to nature, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like smart home technology and views of nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Washington is more walkable than Oregon.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Washington is more bike-friendly than Oregon.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Oregon.
  • Washington housing costs are 19% more expensive than they are in Oregon, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Oregon’s $497,946.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 39% increase in Oregon.
  • Rent in Washington is 11.67% more expensive than in Oregon.

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

ComparisonOregonWashington
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, EarthquakesFloods, Earthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)81/5179/55
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/3345/35
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4238
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oregon to Washington. Washington gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Oregon.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Oregon.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and earthquakes in Oregon, but be on the lookout for potential floods, earthquakes, and volcanoes in Washington.
  • The average summer high temperature in Washington is 2 degrees colder than in Oregon.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Oregon.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Oregon.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and Washington

ComparisonOregonWashington
Avg. Household Income$75,657$91,306
Cost of Living Index110.55104.1
State Income Tax4.75% - 9.9%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.99%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6.5% - 10.4%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, ForestryAerospace, Technology, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantNotable
HomelessnessVisibleChronic
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 21% more than those in Oregon
  • The COLI in Washington is 6% lower than what you are used to in Oregon
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have to pay state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate affluence in Oregon
  • The poverty level is notable in Washington compared to significant poverty in Oregon
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Oregon and chronic in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. Washington

ComparisonOregonWashington
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsLiberal cities, conservative rural areasLiberal cities, conservative rural areas
ReligionMix of religious and non-religiousMix of religious and non-religious
  • Oregon tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as a mix of religious and non-religious
  • Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of religious and non-religious

Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to Washington

ComparisonOregonWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAinsworth Elementary - Portland
Riverdale Grade School - Portland
Findley Elementary - Portland
Cascade K-8 Community School - Shoreline
Challenge Elementary - Lynnwood
Discovery Elementary - Sammamish
Top 3 Middle SchoolsStoller Middle School - Portland
Lake Oswego Junior High - Lake Oswego
Cedar Park Middle School - Portland
International Community School - Kirkland
Washington Middle School - Olympia
Environmental & Adventure School - Redmond
Top 3 High School SchoolsLake Oswego High School - Lake Oswego
Riverdale High School - Portland
Corvallis High School - Corvallis
International School - Bellevue
Newport Senior High School - Bellevue
Bellevue High School - Bellevue
Top 3 private high schoolsCatlin Gabel School - Portland
The OES - Portland
St. Mary's Academy - Portland
The Lakeside School - Seattle
The Overlake School - Redmond
Seattle Academy - Seattle
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDelphian School - Sheridan
Valley Catholic School - Beaverton
Portland Waldorf School - Milwaukie
The Bush School - Seattle
Annie Wright Schools - Tacoma
Eastside Preparatory School - Kirkland
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Oswego School District
Riverdale School District
Corvallis School District
Mercer Island School District
Bellevue School District
Bainbridge Island School District

How Much Do Oregon to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 359 miles from Oregon to Washington will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,406300 ft3$4.69
1 Bedroom$2,087450 ft3$4.64
2 Bedrooms$3,440750 ft3$4.59
3 Bedrooms$4,9901100 ft3$4.54
4 Bedrooms$7,1791600 ft3$4.49
5+ Bedrooms$7,9861800 ft3$4.44

Top Oregon to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Oregon to Washington

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details