Thinking of moving to Oregon? You’re not alone! Over 125,000 people moved to Oregon—and it’s easy to see why. With over 100,000 new job openings in February 2025 and another 221,000 expected by 2032, Oregon is bustling with opportunities.
Portland is a tech hub with over 4,000 tech companies, while cities like Bend and Eugene offer a slower, outdoorsy lifestyle. This blog is your all-in-one guide for relocating to Oregon. From job tips to finding a home, we’re here to make your move easy and stress-free.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Oregon has no sales tax, plus it offers generous tax credits for low-income families and workers, making it a budget-friendly place to live.
- Portland is a tech hub with over 4,000 companies, while cities like Bend and Eugene offer a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle.
- The state has a strong job market with over 100,000 openings in 2025 and 221,000 more expected by 2032, especially in tech, healthcare, and education.
- Oregon has a strong education system with over half a million students, with top districts and major universities like the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
- The cost of living is about 8% above the national average, but still lower than in California and Washington, with affordable housing in cities like Baker City and Umatilla.
- You can enjoy mild, rainy winters and warm summers, perfect for hiking, beaches, and forests — but be aware of wildfire risks and the potential for earthquakes.
4 Reasons to Move to Oregon
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Oregon, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Tax Benefits
Oregon is one of the few states with no sales tax. Low-income families with children under 6 years can get up to $1,000 in tax credit. Plus, for low-income workers who qualify for federal EITC, Oregon offers a refundable EITC equal to 9%-12% of the federal credit amount.
The state offers several property tax reliefs for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and those impacted by natural disasters. Moreover, you only pay estate tax on properties worth $1M or above. This makes it an attractive option for everyone moving in.
2. Job Opportunities in Oregon
Oregon’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across healthcare, technology, education, and the construction sectors. The Beaver State currently has over 100,000 new job openings and aims to add 221,000 new jobs by the end of 2032.
Cities like Portland, Eugene, and Bend are often referred to as the Silicon Forest due to a high concentration of companies in tech, healthcare, and environmental science. The major employers in the area include Intel Corporation, Nike, Inc., and Tektronix.
3. Education in Oregon
Oregon serves over 547,424 students across 197 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options. Top schools in Oregon include Centennial High School, a blue ribbon school, and the David Douglas School District, which is known for its musical excellence.
Additionally, the state is home to major institutions like the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University for higher education. Plus, Oregon offers over 600 scholarships through the OSAC portal.
4. Climate in Oregon
The weather in Oregon is semi-arid or continental. The winters are cool and rainy, with temperatures ranging between 25°F-45°F, while summers are warm, but not too hot, with an average temperature between 52°F-86°F. This makes it perfect for outdoors year-round.
However, Oregon is situated on the Cascadia fault, which makes it prone to earthquakes in the future. Plus, wildfires are a growing problem in dry summer months, mainly in eastern and southern areas.
Pros and Cons of Living in Oregon
Here are the key drawbacks and benefits of living in Oregon:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. The state does not levy any sales tax, so you save more on everyday expenses. | 1. The cost of living is higher than the national average, especially in popular cities like Portland and Bend. |
| 2. Oregon has a growing job market, especially in tech, healthcare, and environmental sectors. | 2. Oregon receives a lot of rain, and it can be cloudy and rainy for weeks at a time. |
| 3. Recycling, biking, and green living in Oregon are just part of the culture here. | 3. Portland and Bend often have traffic jams, and public transit options outside Portland are limited. |
| 4. You can hike in the mountains, walk along the beaches, or explore lush forests. Oregon is perfect for outdoor lovers. | 4. Oregon sits on the Cascadia fault, which means there’s a chance of significant earthquakes in the future. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Oregon ✅
Before entering the Oregon housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Moving to Oregon with Guns: Concealed carry is allowed with a permit, but open carry of loaded guns is restricted in cities like Portland. Also, high-capacity magazines are banned under Measure 114 for public carry.
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: New residents must get an Oregon driver’s license and register their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Oregon. Plus, if you are moving to Portland, Eugene, or Medford, your vehicle must clear the emission test.
- Marijuana for Recreational Purposes: Adults aged 21 or older can possess up to 8 ounces at home, up to 2 ounces in public. Public consumption is illegal, and any violation can result in fines up to $1,000.
- Moving to Oregon With Pets: Dogs aged 6 months or older must have a current rabies shot and should be licensed within 30 days of moving. Oregon requires dogs to be on a leash in public, and negligence can lead to a fine.
Cost of Living in Oregon
The price of living in Oregon is 8% higher than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to neighboring states like California and Washington, where living costs are 59% and 29% above the national average.
Despite a higher cost of living, the utilities are slightly cheaper than the national average. Plus, cities like Baker City and Umatilla offer cheaper housing. This makes it an attractive option for someone looking to save while still enjoying West Coast living.
How to Move to Oregon?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Oregon seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you plan to hire a professional mover, you can expect to pay around $123 per hour[3]. However, this rate can vary depending on your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, 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[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin preparing at least 3-4 weeks before the moving date for a smooth transition.
- Electricity and Gas: Portland General Electric and Pacific Power serve Portland and Salem, while southern Oregon uses Pacific Power. Eugene uses EWEB. For natural gas, NW Natural is the primary provider across most of Oregon.
- Water & Sewer: For most of Oregon, water utilities are managed by the local municipalities. However, Portland uses the Portland Water Bureau, and in Eugene, it’s part of EWEB.
- Internet and Cable: Check availability by entering your address on the provider’s website. Xfinity (Comcast) and Ziply Fiber are the major service providers in the urban areas, while CenturyLink primarily serves the rural regions.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 for first grade before September 1st. You’ll need to provide proof of age, proof of address, and updated immunization records.
- For Older Students: Most use online portals like ParentVUE for the enrollment process. Schools may also require transcripts or report cards from the previous school, along with standard enrollment documents.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers are usually managed by the local school districts. You can visit the school district website or visit their office for more information.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you’re already remote, check with your HR department about tax and legal requirements for working from Oregon. Some employers may need to update their state registration for payroll and compliance.
- Find a New Job: Oregon has a strong job market, especially in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. Job seekers can use platforms like OregonJobFinder.org or the state-run WorkSource Oregon to find local opportunities.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular Oregon cities like Portland, Eugene, and Bend, the average rent ranges between $100 – $34,995[2], depending on the neighborhood and nearby amenities.
- However, if you plan to buy a house in a coastal city, homes for sale in Portland cost around $543K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Baker City and Umatilla offer affordable options with median housing costs of $268K[2] and $289K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Oregon?
Yes, you should definitely move to Oregon. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Oregon isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Oregon’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Oregon is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Oregon, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Oregon
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Oregon, long before the moving boxes are packed.
