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Factors affecting the cost of moving from OR to CA
There are many factors that influence Oregon moving costs. The cost to move from Oregon to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Oregon is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from OR to CA
If you’re moving to California from Oregon, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Oregon vs. California
| Oregon | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,373 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $492,683 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,632 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 0.0% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 9.9% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 35% more expensive in California than in Oregon.
- Home prices are about 57% higher in California than in Oregon.
- The average income is about 20% higher in California than in Oregon.
- Cost of living is 34% lower in California than in Oregon.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Oregon by about 35%.
- Sales taxes are 9% higher in California than in Oregon.
- Income taxes are 34% higher in California than in Oregon.
How life is different in California vs. Oregon
| California | Oregon | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 4,233,358 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 13" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 32.78 |
- The population of California is approximately 822% greater than the population of Oregon.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Oregon voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Oregon, it’s 82ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Oregon gets down to 31ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 41 inches of rainfall in Oregon.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 13 inches of snow in Oregon.
- California has a lower crime rate than Oregon with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 32.78.
Comparing the pros of Oregon vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Oregon.
| Pros of living in Oregon | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Beautiful landscapes | Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious and authentic wineries | Pleasant weather |
| Beautiful summer weather | Abundant recreational options |
| No sales tax | High quality of life |
| Abundant outdoor recreational activities | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Oregon vs. California
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Oregon for California.
| Cons of living in Oregon | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Difficult housing market | High cost of living |
| High cost of living | Heavy tax burdens |
| Poor quality education | Natural disasters |
| Low marks for personal safety | Terrible traffic |
| Heavy tax burden | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Oregon to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: California 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Disneyland Park
- Big Sur Coastline
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Death Valley National Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Lake Tahoe
- Santa Catalina Island
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Hearst Castle
- Channel Islands National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- The Hollywood Sign
- Lombard Street
- Venice Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
- Alcatraz Island
- Winchester Mystery House
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Solvang
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Burney Falls
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Bodie State Historic Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Oregon to California?
Hiring a full-service Oregon moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Oregon to California?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Oregon to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Oregon to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Oregon to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Oregon or California?
It is generally cheaper to live in Oregon than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Oregon, with average rent about 26% less and home prices 36% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Oregon, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?
You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
