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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
29.5 ¢/kWh
Oregon
15.8 ¢/kWh
Oregon has 46% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Oregon
100.7
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Oregon
$497,500
Oregon is 18% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Oregon
$1,597/mo
Oregon is 14% 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
200°F
Oregon
50°F
Oregon is 75% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
Oregon
144
Oregon has 206% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
Oregon
37 in
Oregon is 21% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
Oregon
25
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
Oregon
71
Oregon has 184% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
22 in

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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