Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Oregon

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to Oregon

If youโ€™re moving to Oregon from Chicago, IL, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Oregon

Chicago, IL Oregon
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,373
Average home cost $295,743 $492,683
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $76,632
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.0%
State income tax 4.95% 9.9%
  • Rent is about 57% less expensive in Oregon than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 79.0% higher in Oregon than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 6.5% higher in Oregon than in Chicago.
  • Oregon has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 94.3%.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% higher in Oregon than in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Oregon

Chicago, IL Oregon
Population 2,746,388 4,233,358
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 56-44
Summer high 84ยบF 82ยบF
Winter low 19ยบF 31ยบF
Annual rain 38" 41"
Annual snow 35" 13"
Crime index 35.19 32.78
  • The population of Oregon is approximately 54% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Oregon voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Oregon is 82ยบ F and in Chicago, itโ€™s 84ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Oregon reaches the temperature of 31ยบ F and Chicago gets down to 19ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 41 inches of annual rainfall in Oregon vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Oregon, it snows about 13 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Oregon:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Oregon side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Oregon
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Beautiful landscapes
Delicious food Delicious and authentic wineries
Abundant entertainment Beautiful summer weather
Intense sports culture No sales tax
Ample economic opportunity Abundant outdoor recreational activities

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. Oregon:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Oregon.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Oregon
High crime rate Difficult housing market
Temperamental weather High cost of living
Terrible traffic Poor quality education
High taxes Low marks for personal safety
Pollution Heavy tax burden

Other considerations when moving to Oregon from Chicago

  • Weather: Most of Oregon has a generally mild climate, though there is significant variation given the variety of landscapes across the state. Oregon is very wet in the winter, moderately to very wet during the spring and fall, and dry during the summer. The eastern two-thirds of Oregon, which largely comprise high desert, have cold, snowy winters and very dry summers..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Oregon does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Oregon. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Oregon

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Oregon.

Museums in Oregontoggle

  • 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
  • Columbia River Maritime Museum
  • Portland Art Museum
  • Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
  • Gilbert House Children's Museum
  • Oregon State Hospital - Museum of Mental Health
  • Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

Parks in Oregontoggle

  • 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
  • Hoyt Arboretum
  • Hendricks Park
  • Mount Tabor Park
  • George Rogers Park
  • Drake Park

Sports Teams in Oregontoggle

  • Portland Timbers (MLS)
  • Portland Trailblazers (NBA)
  • Oregon Ducks (NCAA)
  • Oregon State Beavers (NCAA)

Universities in Oregontoggle

  • 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

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to Oregon take?

The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to Oregon depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Oregon?

Need to get your car from Chicago to Oregon? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Oregon car shippers.

Why are people moving from Chicago to Oregon?

Many people are moving to Oregon because of its beautiful landscapes and delicious and authentic wineries. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources