Moving to Oregon: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Considering a move to Oregon? You’re in good company. The Beaver State draws people in with its energetic cities like Portland and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

Oregon has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to Oregon so you can decide if it’s the place for you.

Jump to the Oregon information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to OR
Top car shippers to OR
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Oregon

While relocating to Oregon offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Beaver State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in Oregon

✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Delicious and authentic wineries
✓Beautiful summer weather
✓No sales tax
✓Abundant outdoor recreational activities

Cons of living in Oregon

✖Difficult housing market
✖High cost of living
✖Poor quality education
✖Low marks for personal safety
✖Heavy tax burden

Things to do in Oregon

No matter why you’re relocating to Oregon—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, Oregon is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in Oregon

Crater Lake National Park
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Mount Hood National Forest
Cannon Beach
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Visit Yachats
Visit Astoria
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Wallowa Lake
Portland Japanese Garden

Museums in Oregon

High Desert Museum
Lincoln City Glass Center
Camp 18 Museum
Seaside Inverted Experience
Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals
The Glass Forge
Klamath County Museum
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Parks in Oregon

Washington Park
Lithia Park
Rood Bridge Park
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Forest Park
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
Riverfront Park
Minto-Brown Island Park
Moore Park
Bush’s Pasture Park

Fun facts about Oregon

Each state has its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about Oregon shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next move.

The origin of the name “Oregon” is uncertain. However, according to one account, the name is believed to have been derived from the French word, ‘Ouragan,’ which is loosely translated as hurricane’ or windstorm’. This was in reference to the powerful winds originating from the Columbia River hence the name Oregon.
Also known as Castor canadensis (scientific name), the American Beaver is actually the Oregon state animal since 1969. And that is why Oregon is popularly known as “The Beaver State”.
The state has 11 lighthouses, and Yaquina is the tallest of them all – 93 feet. The tallest lighthouse is the most popular lighthouse on the coast and has been in service since 1873.
Powell’s Book store in Portland, Oregon, is the world’s largest bookstore. The store is in service in Portland since 1971. The company’s founder started his book selling career with a loan of $3,000, which he repaid within two months of borrowing the money.
The mention of the deepest gorge in Oregon should give you a clear picture of a 7,900 feet Hell’s Canyon. This magnificent and picturesque physical feature is located between Idaho and Oregon along the Snake River.
The square dance or simply the Official State Dance is a heritage symbol within Oregon. The dance’s lively spirit exemplifies a friendly, enthusiastic and free nature that are all tailored to reflect the typical Oregon character and heritage in general.
Forest Grove at the heart of Oregon is credited for being the home of the world’s tallest and most notable barber shop pole, standing at 72-feet tall.
Interestingly, the famous Nike logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson (in 1971), a student at Portland State University. And she was paid $35 for her design by Nike’s founders, Bill Bowerman, and Phil Knight though they didn’t like the logo in the first place. But now, Nike Logo is recognized by every sports enthusiast all over the world. Originally, the logo was called as ‘the strip’, which later became well known as ‘Swoosh’.

Oregon population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Oregon, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Beaver State.

A more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Oregon, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Oregon
Population	4,233,358
Female	50.2%
Male	49.8%
College graduation rate	36.33%
Political leaning	Democratic 56-44
Crime index	32.78

Oregon weather

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if Oregon is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding Oregon’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Metric	Oregon
Summer high	82ºF
Winter low	31ºF
Annual rain	41″
Annual snow	13″

Income and cost of living in Oregon

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in Oregon really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what Oregon brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($38.8 billion)
Manufacturing ($34.1 billion)
Professional and business services ($28.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($22.7 billion)
Wholesale trade ($12.7 billion)
Retail trade ($12 billion)
Finance and insurance ($11.1 billion)
Construction ($10.9 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($10.6 billion)
Information ($8.8 billion)

Metric	Oregon
Average rent cost	$1,373
Average home cost	$492,683
Average income (per capita)	$76,632
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	4.0%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	9.9%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Oregon

If top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—Oregon deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Here are some of the top schools in Oregon:

Oregon State University
University of Oregon
Portland State University
Oregon Health & Science University
Reed College
Lewis & Clark College
Willamette University
Pacific University
Western Oregon University
Southern Oregon University
University of Portland
George Fox University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Linfield University
Eastern Oregon University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Oregon

We have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 29 right here in Oregon—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Beaver State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Oregon

Before you take the leap to Oregon, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $136 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Oregon

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Oregon.

Oregon car insurance requirements

In Oregon, you are required to have car insurance with at least 25/50/20 liability coverage, $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Oregon drivers license requirements

If you want to switch your out-of-state driver’s license to an Oregon one, go to a DMV office within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your current license, proof of who you are and where you live, and money for the fee. You might also have to pass a vision test and a knowledge or driving test.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Oregon?

Moving to Oregon is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Oregon is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Oregon?

On the cost of living index, Oregon has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Oregon?

The average income in OR is $76,632, and the an unemployment rate is 4.0. Home prices are $492,683, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,373.

What is the downside of living in Oregon?

Like any place, Oregon has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Beaver State include:

Difficult housing market
High cost of living
Poor quality education
Low marks for personal safety
Heavy tax burden

Oregon Moving Resources

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