Moving to Oregon: A Complete Guide for New Residents
What to Know Before Moving to Oregon
Oregon draws people for its forests, coastline, and mountains, its mild west-side winters, and a job market anchored by tech, healthcare, and outdoor brands. It also comes with a few things that surprise newcomers: no sales tax but a high state income tax, a rainy season that runs most of the year west of the Cascades, and a 30-day window to get an Oregon driver license once you become a resident.
Priority Moving Services has moved Oregon families since 2006 from our base in Hillsboro, on the west side of the Portland metro. This guide pulls together what we tell people who are moving here from out of state: where to live, what it costs, what paperwork comes first, and how to plan the move itself. If you are coming from far away, our long-distance movers can take it from there.
Oregon at a glance
- Sales tax: none, at the state or local level.
- Income tax: yes, with rates that climb to 9.9% at the top bracket.
- Driver license: new residents have 30 days to get an Oregon license.
- Weather: wet, mild winters and dry summers west of the Cascades; sunnier and colder to the east.
- Biggest metro: Portland, with Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Gresham as its largest suburbs.
Where to Live in Oregon: The Six Regions
Oregon changes a lot from the coast to the high desert. Pick a region to see what living there is like.
Portland Metro
Portland, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego, Tigard
What it is like
- Most of the state's jobs, including tech in Hillsboro and Beaverton and healthcare across the metro
- Neighborhoods from walkable inner-city districts to newer suburbs
- MAX light rail linking downtown Portland with Hillsboro and Gresham
Moving there
See our Portland movers, Hillsboro movers, and Beaverton movers pages, plus our guide to the best Portland suburbs for families.
Willamette Valley
Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, McMinnville, Albany
What it is like
- The state capital in Salem and university towns in Eugene and Corvallis
- Wine country, farmland, and smaller cities along I-5
- Generally lower home prices than the Portland metro
Moving there
See our Salem movers and Eugene movers pages.
Oregon Coast
Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Newport
What it is like
- Small towns, second homes, and a popular retirement area
- Cool summers, stormy winters, and slower-paced living
- Longer drives to big-city services and airports
Moving there
See our Oregon Coast movers page for moves between the metro and the coast.
Central Oregon
Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver
What it is like
- High-desert climate with more sunshine and snowy winters
- Skiing, hiking, and river sports close to town
- A fast-growing area with a competitive housing market
Moving there
Moves over the Cascades are planned around mountain pass conditions in winter.
Southern Oregon
Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls
What it is like
- Warmer, drier summers than the north of the state
- Ashland's arts scene and the Rogue Valley's orchards and wineries
- Smaller metro areas along I-5 near the California line
Moving there
Long-distance moves here are usually planned as a full day or more from the Portland area.
Eastern Oregon
Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City, Ontario
What it is like
- Wide-open ranch country and small towns
- Hot summers, cold winters, and the lowest housing costs in the state
- Long distances between towns and services
Moving there
Plan for long drives and allow extra time in winter.
Oregon Taxes: No Sales Tax, Higher Income Tax
Oregon is one of the few states with no general sales tax, so the price on the tag is the price you pay, from groceries to furniture to a new car. The trade-off is a state income tax with rates that rise to 9.9% at the top bracket, among the highest in the country. Property taxes vary by county and are limited by state rules on how fast assessed values can grow.
How that balances out depends on your income and where you are coming from. People moving from a state with no income tax usually pay more overall, while people coming from high sales tax states often notice the savings at the register right away. If you are weighing the Washington side of the Portland metro, our Portland vs Seattle comparison covers how the two states differ.
Sales Tax Savings Estimator
Enter roughly what you spend each year on taxable purchases and the combined sales tax rate where you live now.
An estimate only. It does not include Oregon income tax, which most residents pay. Talk to a tax professional about your situation. Nothing you enter here is sent or saved.
New Resident Deadline Calculator
The first weeks after a move are busy, and a few Oregon tasks come with deadlines. Enter the day you move in to see a dated to-do list. For step-by-step DMV details, read our guide to changing the address on your driver license in Oregon and Washington.
Dates are a planning guide. Confirm current rules with Oregon DMV, Oregon DEQ, and your county elections office.
Oregon Weather and the Best Time to Move
West of the Cascades, most of the year's rain falls between October and May, and summers are dry and pleasant. That makes July through September the easiest months for moving day, and the busiest. East of the mountains, snow on the passes is the bigger concern. Our guide to the best time of year to move covers the trade-offs in more detail.
| Region | Winter | Summer | Easiest time to move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland metro | Mild and wet, rarely below freezing for long | Warm and dry, with a few hot spells | Summer, to avoid rain on moving day |
| Willamette Valley | Mild and wet, with fog in the valley | Warm to hot and dry | Late spring through early fall |
| Oregon Coast | Stormy, wet, and windy | Cool and often foggy | Summer weekdays, to avoid storms and crowds |
| Central Oregon | Cold with regular snow | Hot, dry, and sunny | Late spring through early fall, for clear passes |
| Southern Oregon | Cool and wet, with snow at elevation | Hot and dry | Spring or fall, to avoid the summer heat |
Six Things That Surprise New Oregonians
Small differences that newcomers notice in their first few months.
You may not pump your own gas everywhere
Oregon allowed self-service gas statewide in 2023, but many stations still have attendants, so it pays to wait at the pump until you know which kind of station you are at.
Bottles and cans carry a deposit
Most drink containers have a 10-cent deposit that you get back at redemption centers and many grocery stores.
The tax kicker
When state revenue comes in well above forecast, Oregon returns the surplus to taxpayers as a credit on the next tax return.
Vote by mail
Every Oregon election is conducted by mail, with ballots sent to every registered voter.
Urban growth boundaries
Cities are ringed by growth boundaries that limit sprawl, which keeps farmland close to town and shapes where new neighborhoods are built.
Rain gear over umbrellas
Rain west of the Cascades is usually steady and light, and many locals rely on a good rain jacket instead of an umbrella.
Jobs and Cost of Living in Oregon
Most of Oregon's jobs are in the Portland metro and along I-5 down the Willamette Valley. The west side of the metro is known as the Silicon Forest, with Intel's largest operations in Hillsboro and Nike's headquarters near Beaverton. Healthcare, education, government in Salem, and the outdoor and food industries round out the economy.
Housing is the biggest cost difference between regions. The Portland metro and Bend are the most expensive places to buy or rent, the Willamette Valley sits in the middle, and Eastern Oregon is the most affordable. Prices move quickly, so compare current listings for the neighborhoods you are considering. Thinking about Portland itself? Our pros and cons of living in Portland and Hillsboro neighborhoods guide go deeper.
Major employers
Tech, healthcare systems, universities, state government, and athletic and outdoor brands.
Commuting
MAX light rail and buses in the Portland metro; most of the rest of the state relies on driving.
Utilities
Rain-fed water and a large share of hydropower in the electric mix; check providers by address.
Everyday costs
No sales tax on purchases, but income tax and housing make up the bigger share of a budget.
How to Plan Your Move to Oregon
Six steps that make a cross-country or in-state move to Oregon go smoothly. For the full process, see our guide on how to move cross country.
Pick your moving season
Summer is driest and busiest. If you can move in spring or fall, you will have more dates to choose from. Book long-distance movers six to eight weeks ahead for summer.
Decide what to bring
Moving costs rise with weight and volume, so sort before you pack. Furniture that suits a sunny climate may not suit a rainy one, and the reverse.
Plan storage if dates do not line up
If your new home is not ready, our climate-controlled storage in Hillsboro can hold your belongings in between.
Pack for wet weather
Plastic wrap on upholstery and mattresses and sturdy boxes help on rainy moving days. Our packing services team can handle it.
Map the last mile
Check parking, stairs, and access at the new home, from Portland apartment buildings to rural driveways.
Get local help on arrival
Moving from out of state into the metro? Our unload-only movers can unload a container or rental truck when it arrives.
Moving to Oregon FAQs
Is moving to Oregon a good idea?
It depends on what you want. Oregon offers forests, mountains, and coastline close to its cities, no sales tax, and a strong job market in the Portland metro. The trade-offs are a high state income tax, rising housing costs in Portland and Bend, and a long rainy season west of the Cascades.
Does Oregon have a sales tax?
No. Oregon has no general sales tax at the state or local level, so purchases cost the listed price.
How long do I have to get an Oregon driver license?
New residents have 30 days after becoming an Oregon resident to get an Oregon driver license or ID card.
Where is the best place to live in Oregon?
For jobs and city amenities, the Portland metro, including Hillsboro and Beaverton, is the most popular choice. Salem and Eugene offer lower costs in the Willamette Valley, Bend draws people for outdoor recreation, and the coast suits those who want a slower pace.
What is the weather like in Oregon?
West of the Cascades, winters are mild and wet and summers are warm and dry. East of the mountains, winters are colder and snowier and summers are hotter and sunnier.
What is the best time of year to move to Oregon?
July through September brings the driest weather west of the Cascades, but it is also the busiest season for movers. Spring and early fall offer more open dates with fewer rainy days than winter.
Do I need an emissions test to register my car in Oregon?
Vehicles registered in the Portland and Medford areas generally need a DEQ emissions test. Check Oregon DEQ for the rules that apply to your vehicle and address.
How much income tax will I pay in Oregon?
Oregon's income tax rates rise with income and reach 9.9% at the top bracket. Your amount depends on your income and deductions, so check with a tax professional.
Can you move me to Oregon from another state?
Yes. Our long-distance team moves families to Oregon from other states and handles moves within Oregon, from our base in Hillsboro.
Do you offer storage when moving to Oregon?
Yes. Our climate-controlled warehouse in Hillsboro holds your belongings if your new home is not ready when you arrive.
Moving to Oregon? Get a Free Quote
Tell us where you are moving from and when, and our Hillsboro team will give you an estimate based on your move. Prefer to talk? Call 503-544-7972.