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Moving from Massachusetts to Oregon

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Portland weirdness, no sales tax, drizzly winters.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
Oregon
103.4
Oregon has 2.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Oregon
108.6
Oregon has 15% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
Oregon
105.3
Oregon has 6.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Oregon
100.5
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.6 ¢/kWh
Oregon
16.3 ¢/kWh
Oregon has 45% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Oregon
100.7
Median home value (est.)
Massachusetts
$587,000
Oregon
$488,000
Oregon is 17% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent (est.)
Massachusetts
$2,100/mo
Oregon
$1,700/mo
Oregon is 19% 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
Massachusetts
82°F
Oregon
80°F
Oregon is 2.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Oregon
36°F
Oregon is 64% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Oregon
50°F
Oregon is 3.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Oregon
144
Oregon has 28% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Oregon
37 in
Oregon is 25% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Oregon
160
Oregon has 452% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
0
Oregon
78
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Oregon
22 in
Oregon is 56% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsOregon 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 Massachusetts?

Oregon's overall price level is roughly 100.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts, 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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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