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Moving from California to Oregon

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Portland weirdness, no sales tax, drizzly winters.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

OR state flag
Moving to

Oregon

Capital: Salem

Median household income $76,362 · winter low 36°F · 144 sunny days

Portland weirdness, no sales tax, drizzly winters.

Oregon has an overall price level 103.4 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Oregon
103.4
Oregon has 6.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Oregon
108.6
Oregon has 30% lower housing costs
Groceries index
California
106.1
Oregon
105.3
Oregon has 0.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Oregon
100.5
Oregon has 1.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
Oregon
15.8 ¢/kWh
Oregon has 55% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Oregon
100.7
Oregon has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Oregon
$497,500
Oregon is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$2,104/mo
Oregon
$1,597/mo
Oregon is 24% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 80°F · Winter low 36°F · 144 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Oregon
80°F
Oregon is 4.8% less summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Oregon
36°F
Oregon is 20% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Oregon
50°F
Oregon is 15% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Oregon
144
Oregon has 44% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Oregon
37 in
Oregon is 43% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
43
Oregon
25
Oregon has 42% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
California
298
Oregon
71
Oregon has 76% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
California
16 in
Oregon
22 in
Oregon is 38% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaOregon report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Oregon than California?

Oregon's overall price level is roughly 100.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Oregon tops out at 9.9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Oregon?

Most Oregon residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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