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Washington to Oregon Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 360 mile interstate move from Washington to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like constant rain vs sunnier weather), food & health (like Seafood Chowder vs Marionberry Pie), real estate & housing (northwest contemporary vs craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Seafood Chowder and Teriyaki Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Marionberry Pie & Grilled Salmon
  • Oregon housing costs are 16% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Oregon is 10.45% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Oregon will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to Oregon movers is Seattle Moves & More

Washington to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Oregon

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • Constant rain
  • High state taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Costly housing
ProsOregon iconOregon
  • Sunnier weather
  • Lower, no sales tax
  • More relaxed roads
  • More affordable living

Oregon iconOregon
  • Smaller job market
  • Less cultural offerings
  • Fewer top institutions
  • Fewer beaches
Washington iconWashington
  • Thriving tech scene
  • Diverse community
  • Excellent schools
  • Beautiful coastlines

Pros of moving from Washington to Oregon

  • Say goodbye to constant rain and hello to sunnier weather
  • Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Oregon with lower no sales tax
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Washington for more relaxed roads in Oregon
  • Get ready for more affordable living in Oregon

Cons of moving from Washington to Oregon

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a thriving tech scene in Washington to live with a smaller job market in Oregon
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse community and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural offerings
  • Time to bid farewell to excellent schools and get used to fewer top institutions in Oregon
  • Swap beautiful coastlines for fewer beaches

Washington vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonOregon
Most iconic local food itemSeafood ChowderMarionberry Pie
Most popular meat dishTeriyaki ChickenGrilled Salmon
Most popular street food itemCoffeeFood Carts Offering Various Cuisines
Most popular vegan foodVegan PhoVegan Doughnuts
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Pink Door
  • Le Pichet
  • Voodoo Doughnut
  • Le Pigeon
  • Pok Pok
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 Washington to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Seafood Chowder of Washington for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Teriyaki Chicken and sumptuous Coffee, Oregon residents know they have tasty Grilled Salmon and Food Carts Offering Various Cuisines to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pho they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Doughnuts of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, The Pink Door, and Le Pichet. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Voodoo Doughnut, Le Pigeon, and Pok Pok.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Oregon

ComparisonWashingtonOregon
Typical Architecture StyleNorthwest ContemporaryCraftsman
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 featuresProximity to nature
  • The Northwest Contemporary architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Oregon.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oregon is less walkable than Washington.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Oregon is more bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Oregon has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Oregon housing costs are 16% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Oregon is 10.45% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonOregon
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
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F81Β°F / 51Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 36Β°F48Β°F / 35Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)38"43"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)16.6"8"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Washington to Oregon. Oregon gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Washington.
  • Oregon has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and earthquakes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential floods and earthquakes in Oregon.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 6 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Oregon

ComparisonWashingtonOregon
Avg. Household Income$91,306$75,657
Cost of Living Index104.1110.55
State Income Tax0%4.75%-9.9%
Avg. Property Tax1%1.1%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5%-10.4%0%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureTechnology, Forestry, Healthcare
AffluenceComfortableModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessConcerningConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 17% less than those in Washington
  • The COLI in Oregon will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Bummer... By moving from WA to OR, you will now have a state income tax of 4.75%-9.9%
  • The affluence in Oregon is moderate compared to comfortable in Washington
  • The poverty level is moderate in Oregon compared to moderate in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Washington and concerning in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Oregon

ComparisonWashingtonOregon
Political Make-upDemocratically inclinedDemocratically inclined
Local PoliticsModerate to liberal, especially in urban areasModerate to liberal, with conservative pockets
ReligionLess religious overallVaries, with some areas more religious than others
  • Washington tends to lean democratically inclined in its political climate
  • Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as democratically inclined
  • Oregon's religious environment can be described as varying, with some areas more religious than others
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Oregon

ComparisonWashingtonOregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Reed College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascadia Elementary - Seattle
Medina Elementary - Medina
Briarwood Elementary - Issaquah
Findley Elementary - Portland
Jacob Wismer Elementary - Portland
Bonny Slope Elementary - Portland
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School - Bellevue
Chinook Middle School - Bellevue
Washington Middle School - Olympia
Stoller Middle School - Portland
Lake Oswego Junior High - Lake Oswego
Cedar Park Middle School - Portland
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational School - Bellevue
Newport High School - Bellevue
Tesla STEM High School - Redmond
Lake Oswego High School - Lake Oswego
International School of Beaverton - Beaverton
Riverdale High School - Portland
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Bear Creek School - Redmond
Overlake School - Redmond
Seattle Academy - Seattle
Catlin Gabel School - Portland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
St. Mary's Academy - Portland
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharles Wright Academy - Tacoma
Annie Wright Schools - Tacoma
Eastside Preparatory School - Kirkland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
Catlin Gabel School - Portland
Delphian School - Sheridan
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Issaquah School District
Lake Oswego School District
Riverdale School District
West Linn-Wilsonville School District

How Much Do Washington to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 360 miles from Washington to Oregon 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$1,407300 ft3$4.69
1 Bedroom$2,087450 ft3$4.64
2 Bedrooms$3,441750 ft3$4.59
3 Bedrooms$4,9921100 ft3$4.54
4 Bedrooms$7,1821600 ft3$4.49
5+ Bedrooms$7,9891800 ft3$4.44

Top Washington to Oregon Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Washington to Oregon

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