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Virginia to Oregon Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 2,640 mile interstate move from Virginia to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs mild climate), food & health (like Ham vs Marionberry Pie), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Ham and Virginia BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Marionberry Pie & Smoked Salmon
  • Oregon housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Oregon is 3.54% more affordable than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Oregon will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Oregon movers is ARS Movers

Virginia to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Oregon

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • High humidity
  • Traffic congestion
  • Hurricane risk
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsOregon iconOregon
  • Mild climate
  • Less crowded roads
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Abundant outdoor recreation

Oregon iconOregon
  • Less historical sites
  • Far from major cities
  • Colder winters
  • Longer drive to coast
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich history
  • Proximity to D.C.
  • Warmer winters
  • Access to beaches

Pros of moving from Virginia to Oregon

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Oregon with less crowded roads
  • Swap the hurricane risk of Virginia for fewer natural disasters in Oregon
  • Get ready for abundant outdoor recreation in Oregon

Cons of moving from Virginia to Oregon

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Virginia to live with fewer historical sites in Oregon
  • You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to D.C. and have to settle for the con of being far from major cities
  • Time to bid farewell to warmer winters and get used to colder winters in Oregon
  • Swap access to beaches for a longer drive to the coast

Virginia vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaOregon
Most iconic local food itemHamMarionberry Pie
Most popular meat dishVirginia BBQSmoked Salmon
Most popular street food itemPeanutsFood Cart Poutine
Most popular vegan foodKale SaladsTofu Scramble
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Lemaire Restaurant
  • Zynodoa
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
  • 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 Virginia to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Virginia BBQ and sumptuous Peanuts, Oregon residents know they have tasty Smoked Salmon and Food Cart Poutine to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kale Salads they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tofu Scramble of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Lemaire Restaurant, and Zynodoa. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Pok Pok, Le Pigeon, and Voodoo Doughnut.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Oregon

ComparisonVirginiaOregon
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanCraftsman, Ranch
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 listingHistoric details, proximity to Washington D.C.Eco-friendly features, natural landscapes
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Oregon.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference historic details and proximity to Washington D.C., Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and natural landscapes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oregon is less walkable than Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Oregon is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Oregon has an equally urban feel to Virginia.
  • Oregon housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Oregon is 3.54% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

ComparisonVirginiaOregon
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86/6681/51
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)48/2947/33
Annual Rainfall (Inches)44"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)14"31"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Oregon. Oregon gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Oregon has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Oregon.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 5 degrees colder than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows in Oregon are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Oregon. Oregon receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Oregon

ComparisonVirginiaOregon
Avg. Household Income$85,873$75,657
Cost of Living Index96.6110.55
State Income Tax5.75%9.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.80%1.07%
Avg. Sales Tax5.3%0%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, GovernmentTechnology, Forestry, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 12% less than in Virginia
  • The COLI in Oregon will be 14% higher than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • The state income tax in OR is 9.9% compared to 5.75% in VA
  • The affluence in Oregon is moderate compared to moderate in Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Oregon compared to low in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Virginia and high in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Oregon

ComparisonVirginiaOregon
Political Make-upModerately liberal, battleground stateLiberal, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsVaries by region, conservative in rural areasLiberal in cities, conservative in rural east
ReligionChristian-majority, diverse religious communitiesLess religiously affiliated, diverse spiritual communities
  • Virginia tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
  • Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as liberal, especially in urban areas
  • Oregon's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated and diverse spiritual communities
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian-majority and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Oregon

ComparisonVirginiaOregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
George Mason University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School (Arlington)
Stenwood Elementary School (Vienna)
Nottingham Elementary School (Arlington)
Ainsworth Elementary School (Portland)
Findley Elementary School (Portland)
Jackson Elementary School (Hillsboro)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Frost Middle School (Fairfax)
Henley Middle School (Crozet)
Stoller Middle School (Portland)
Lake Oswego Junior High School (Lake Oswego)
Cedar Park Middle School (Beaverton)
Top 3 High School SchoolsThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Langley High School (McLean)
International School of Beaverton (Beaverton)
School of Science & Technology (Portland)
Corbett School (Corbett)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Madeira School (McLean)
Norfolk Academy (Norfolk)
St. Christopher's School (Richmond)
Oregon Episcopal School (Portland)
Catlin Gabel School (Portland)
The Delphian School (Sheridan)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFlint Hill School (Oakton)
The Potomac School (McLean)
Norfolk Collegiate School (Norfolk)
Oregon Episcopal School (Portland)
Catlin Gabel School (Portland)
Delphian School (Sheridan)
Top 3 School DistrictsFalls Church City Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools
Lake Oswego School District
Riverdale School District
West Linn-Wilsonville School District

How Much Do Virginia to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 2,640 miles from Virginia to Oregon will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,699300 ft3$9.00
1 Bedroom$4,026450 ft3$8.95
2 Bedrooms$6,673750 ft3$8.90
3 Bedrooms$9,7321100 ft3$8.85
4 Bedrooms$14,0761600 ft3$8.80
5+ Bedrooms$15,7451800 ft3$8.75

Top Virginia to Oregon Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Oregon

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Matthew's Nationwide Moving featured image

Matthew's Nationwide Moving

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details

Chesapeake to Oregon

Norfolk to Oregon

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Alexandria to Oregon