Planning your move to the Beaver State? You’re not alone! More than 128,000 people are moving to Oregon annually, which is why its population has reached 4.2 million in 2024.
Oregon is home to Fortune 500 companies like Nike and Lithia and has a thriving job market. OR also offers a median household income of $86,780, 7% higher than the national average. Additionally, the state’s warm climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Oregon
Oregon is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to OR:
| # | Reasons to Move to OR | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Oregon is 14.3% higher than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Beaver State aims to add 221,000 jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Education | Oregon serves over 581,849 students across 197 school districts. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Oregon is 14.3% higher than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Orgon’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Portland | $500,574 | $1,754 | $159 | $227.04 | $653 |
| Salem | $437,500 | $1,441 | $54.3 | $188.39 | $565 |
| Eugene | $511,000 | $1,824 | $54.5 | $157.4 | $659 |
| Gresham | $499,950 | $1,656 | $80.9 | $156.38 | $660 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Oregon
Oregon’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Beaver State aims to add 221,000 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Information Technology: IT is the fastest-growing sector in the state, with high demand for software developers and data processing professionals. The sector is projected to add 7,400 jobs by 2032. Intel and other Silicon Forest companies are top employers.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector is projected to add over 44,500 new jobs by 2032. The aging population and increased demand for health services are key drivers. Job roles like nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and personal care aides are in high demand.
- Leisure and Hospitality: The industry is projected to grow by 17%, creating 34,000 new jobs by 2032. Key roles include restaurant staff, hotel workers, and event coordinators. Top employers in the field include Sunriver Resort, Franz Bakery, and Northwest Evaluation Association.
- Professional and Business Services: This sector includes finance, consulting, and management jobs. It is expected to add 34,100 new jobs by 2032. Top employers include Stoel Rives LLP and Clark Capital Management Group.
3. Education and Schools in Oregon
Oregon serves over 581,849 students across 197 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options including:
- Public Schools: Oregon has around 1,274 public schools for their academic excellence and innovative programs. Lake Oswego and Riverdale High School are some of the top public schools in the state.
- Magnet and Charter Programs: OR has over 136 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Sand Ridge Charter School and Oregon Charter Academy are some of the top charter schools in the state.
- Private Schools: Oregon is home to over 482 private schools, known for their small class sizes and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is around $10,630 annually. Top-rated schools include Catlin Gabel School and Oregon Episcopal School.
- Higher Education: Oregon has some renowned institutions for higher education. University of Oregon (UO) is famous for its programs in journalism, business, and law. Oregon State University (OSU), is a top destination for engineering, forestry, and environmental sciences.
Cost of Moving to Oregon 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to OR:
1. Moving Costs ~ $458 to $4,052
Moving to Oregon involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Oregon movers typically cost $123 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Oregon.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Oregon.
- When relocating to Oregon, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in the OR is around $407/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Oregon. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in OR ranges from $126 – $316. A standard title fee costs range from $101 – $192.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Beaver State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Salem, Gresham, and Portland, the average rent ranges between $1,500 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Oregon, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Oregon in your budget. Coastal cities like Astoria have a median home price of $544K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Lebanon is $374K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Oregon ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to OR, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Oregon neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
