Moving to Oregon: What You Need to Know
Oregon offers no sales tax, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong tech economy centered in the Portland metro's "Silicon Forest" where Intel, Nike, and numerous tech companies are headquartered. The state has experienced significant population growth, with Portland, Bend, and Eugene being top destinations. However, Oregon has one of the highest income tax rates in the nation at 9.9%, and housing prices have risen substantially -- Portland's median exceeds $480,000 and Bend is over $600,000. The state's appeal lies in its combination of outdoor lifestyle, progressive culture, and no sales tax on purchases.
Estimate Your Moving Cost →
Cost of Living in Oregon
Median Home Price
$480,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500/mo
Avg Local Move
$1,100
Avg Long-Distance Move
$4,800
Taxes in Oregon
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 4.75%–9.9% (progressive) |
| Effective Property Tax | 0.87% |
| State Sales Tax | None |
Job Market & Economy
Oregon Climate & Weather
Western Oregon is mild and rainy with overcast winters (40s–50s°F) and warm, dry summers (75–85°F). Eastern Oregon is drier and more extreme with hot summers and cold winters. Portland averages 154 rainy days per year.
Best Cities to Move to in Oregon
Pros and Cons of Living in Oregon
Pros
- +No state sales tax
- +Stunning natural beauty from coast to mountains to high desert
- +Strong tech job market in the Portland metro (Silicon Forest)
- +Progressive and environmentally conscious culture
Cons
- -High income tax rate reaching 9.9%
- -Housing costs have increased significantly, especially in Portland and Bend
- -Gray, rainy winters in the Willamette Valley can cause seasonal depression
- -Wildfire smoke has become an annual summer concern
Calculate Your Oregon Moving Cost
Get an itemized estimate for your move to Oregon -- truck or movers, flights, housing deposits, storage, and contingency. Free, no account required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to Oregon?
A local move within Portland averages $900–$1,500. Moving from California to Oregon (the most common route) costs $1,500–$4,000. Cross-country moves to Oregon typically run $4,000–$8,000. Portland is a competitive moving market with good availability of carriers.
Is Portland a good place to live?
Portland offers excellent food, craft beer, outdoor access (Mt. Hood, the coast, the Gorge), and a strong job market. The city has faced challenges with homelessness and downtown livability that have been widely reported. Suburbs like Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and Tigard offer family-friendly living with good schools. The lack of sales tax is a daily benefit. The main drawback is gray, rainy weather from October through June.
How does Oregon's tax structure work?
Oregon has no sales tax, which saves residents 5–10% compared to most states on all purchases. However, the income tax is high at 4.75–9.9%. There's also a 1% statewide transit tax and local arts taxes. Property taxes are moderate at 0.87% with Measure 50 limiting assessed value increases to 3% per year. The no-sales-tax benefit is most valuable for high-spending households who shop in-state.
What is Bend like?
Bend is a rapidly growing outdoor recreation mecca in central Oregon with world-class skiing at Mt. Bachelor, mountain biking, rock climbing, and craft breweries. The lifestyle is exceptional but costs have surged -- median home prices exceed $600,000. The job market is limited, making Bend ideal for remote workers, retirees, or outdoor industry professionals. Summer is spectacular with warm, dry weather and 300 days of sunshine.
What about Oregon's rain?
Western Oregon (Portland, Salem, Eugene) receives 35–45 inches of rain annually, mostly between October and June. It's usually light drizzle rather than heavy downpours. Summers (July–September) are famously beautiful with warm, dry weather. Eastern Oregon (Bend, Pendleton) is much drier with under 12 inches of rain. Many residents find the gray winters challenging, but the payoff is lush green landscapes and pleasant summers.