Best Oregon to California Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Oregon to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 673 mile OR to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 314 Oregon to California moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Oregon compared to California. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Oregon to California Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
3Pacific Northwest Moving9.499.45Authorized For Property
4Elite Relocation Services9.349.1Authorized For HHG
5Northwest Grace Moving9.319.28Authorized For HHG
6You Move Me Portland9.289.4Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Oregon to California?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 673 miles from Oregon to California will cost on average $2,354 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom OR to CA move is roughly $5,643. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Oregon and dropoff in California as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Oregon to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,584300 ft³$5.28
1 Bedroom$2,354450 ft³$5.23
2 Bedrooms$3,885750 ft³$5.18
3 Bedrooms$5,6431100 ft³$5.13
4 Bedrooms$8,1281600 ft³$5.08
5+ Bedrooms$9,0541800 ft³$5.03
*Please note: These Oregon to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Oregon & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed OR to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Oregon guide.

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Compare the 6 Best OR to CA Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Pacific Northwest Moving Logo

Pacific Northwest Moving

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 782+ data points

Central Point, OR, 97502

About Pacific Northwest Moving

Pacific Northwest Moving has been offering their reliable services as movers in Medford, OR for more than ten years. It is...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3680404 / 1279836

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Elite Relocation Services Logo

Elite Relocation Services

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 928+ data points

3711 W 1st Ave

Eugene, OR, 97402

About Elite Relocation Services

Elite Relocation Services has been awarded Business of the Year, Torch Awards for Ethics, and an A+ rating from the BBB....

Services

  • Local and Long Distance moving
  • Residential moving
  • Office & Industrial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3027188 / 1419238

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved72,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 558+ data points

19764 Cypresswood St

Oregon City, OR, 97045

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
You Move Me Portland Logo

You Move Me Portland

Exceptional9.28/10
based on 1,494+ data points

9442 SW Barbur Blvd

Portland, OR, 97219

About You Move Me Portland

You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2388358 / 820850

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2020)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to California

This comparison provides an honest reflection of the move's pros and cons , helping you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of relocating from Oregon to California . By examining these aspects closely, you can make a more informed and confident decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Oregon iconOregon
  • Rainy weather
  • Higher income tax
  • Isolated from big cities
California iconCalifornia
  • Sunny climate
  • More diverse job market
  • Close to entertainment hubs
California iconCalifornia
  • Expensive housing
  • Traffic congestion
  • Competitive job market
Oregon iconOregon
  • Lower cost of living
  • Rich natural landscapes
  • Strong community

Moving to California from Oregon offers a contrasting lifestyle that can be both exciting and challenging. In California, you'll find a sunnier climate and diverse job opportunities, from tech roles in Silicon Valley to entertainment gigs in Los Angeles. However, the cost of living, especially housing in areas like San Francisco and Santa Monica, can be significantly higher than in Oregon cities such as Portland. While Oregon is known for its lush landscapes and robust community spirit exemplified by areas like the Pearl District, California offers proximity to cultural and entertainment centers like Hollywood and Disneyland, which come with the trade-off of more traffic congestion. Each state brings unique opportunities and challenges; understanding these can guide a decision that best suits your lifestyle preferences.

Oregon vs. California Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Oregon & California, highlighting how food plays a crucial role in understanding the cultural and lifestyle nuances of an area. This comparison will ensure you are well-informed about the culinary landscape of your new home.

Oregon
California
Most iconic local food item
Dungeness Crab
Fish Tacos
Most popular meat dish
Elk Steak
Tri-tip BBQ
Most popular street food item
Voodoo Doughnuts
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Tempeh Bowl
Avocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pok Pok
  • Screen Door
  • Le Pigeon
  • Cheeseboard
  • The French Laundry
  • Gjelina
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In the world of West Coast cuisine, Oregon and California offer vibrant and diverse culinary scenes that cater to everyone from meat lovers to vegans. For example, Oregon's food scene prides itself on its innovative use of local ingredients, like the famed Dungeness Crab and Elk Steak, found in hip Portland neighborhoods such as the Pearl District. Meanwhile, California's culinary prowess shines through in its fusion dishes like Fish Tacos and the health-conscious favorite, Avocado Toast, best enjoyed in trendy spots around Los Angeles or the gastronomically revered Napa Valley. Whether you're dining at the waterfront eateries of San Francisco or exploring the food trucks of Portland, both states offer distinctive flavors that reflect their rich cultural tapestries.

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Oregon vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Understanding the nuances of real estate differences between Oregon and California is crucial for a seamless transition to your new home. This comparison aims to shed light on everything from housing costs to lifestyle ratings, helping you make an informed decision on where to plant your roots.

Oregon
California
Typical Architecture Style
Craftsman
Spanish Revival
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Eco-friendly features
Proximity to the beach

When comparing the housing landscapes of Oregon and California, a few notable differences stand out. Oregon’s real estate market highlights eco-friendly features and Craftsman-style homes, reflecting the state's dedication to sustainability and its rich history. In contrast, California leans more towards boasting about its Spanish Revival architecture along with the allure of seaside living. Not only does California offer a higher urban lifestyle rating, but its real estate listings also frequently emphasize proximity to the beach, showcasing the state’s renowned beach culture. Meanwhile, Oregon excels in bikeability, indicative of its strong cycling culture, especially in urban centers like Portland. These differences exemplify the distinct lifestyles and environments you'll find in each state, providing a glimpse into what your life could be like depending on where you choose to move.

Oregon vs. California Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Oregon to California, understanding how the weather varies between these two states can greatly influence your decision and preparation process. By comparing the weather differences between Oregon and California , you'll better anticipate the changes in climate and how they may affect your lifestyle, health, and activities.

Oregon
California
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Rainstorms, Floods
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Good to Moderate
Varies Greatly
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

80°F/50°F
85°F/60°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

47°F/33°F
60°F/44°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

43
22
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

8
Varies


In transitioning from Oregon to California, you'll notice a significant increase in sunny days and a notable decrease in humidity and annual rainfall. California's warmer summer highs and milder winter lows may offer a more comfortable setting for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. However, it’s essential to consider the state’s elevated UV index and varied air quality, especially in densely populated or wildfire-prone areas. Considering natural disasters, while Oregon chiefly contends with rainstorms and occasional flooding, California’s earthquake and wildfire risks are key considerations for emergency planning and insurance.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oregon to California

When planning a move from Oregon to California, it's crucial to grasp how your finances will be affected. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in living costs and economic factors between Oregon and California , helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.

Oregon
California
Avg. Household Income
$75,657
$91,551
Cost of Living Index
110.55
136.4
State Income Tax
4.75 - 9.9
1 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.90
0.73
Avg. Sales Tax
N/A
8.56
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Forestry, Tourism
Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
Significant
Severe

Moving from Oregon to California, you'll find that while average household incomes are higher in California, the cost of living and state income tax rates can also be substantially higher, potentially offsetting these income gains. Notably, California's varied economy, powering through technology, agriculture, and entertainment, offers diverse job opportunities. However, both states face challenges with homelessness and poverty, factors worth considering in your decision-making process. California's significantly severe homelessness rates and higher poverty levels as compared to Oregon's significant and moderate levels respectively, reflect larger socio-economic challenges despite its affluence.

Oregon vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from Oregon to California, it's helpful to have a comparison of the politics between Oregon & California and understand the religious makeup of these states. This will give you a quick snapshot of the differences and similarities in the communities you're moving from and to.

Oregon
California
Political Make-up
Liberal-leaning, especially in urban areas such as Portland
Strongly liberal, particularly in coastal cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles
Local Politics
Progressive policies in urban centers, with a more conservative stance in rural areas
Progressive stance on environmental, social, and economic issues across most urban and many suburban areas
Religion
Less religiously affiliated overall; diverse spirituality
Higher levels of religious affiliation, particularly Catholicism among the Hispanic community

When moving from Oregon to California, you'll find that both states share a liberal-leaning political makeup, particularly in their urban areas. However, California presents a more pronounced progressive stance on issues such as environmental protection and social rights, visible in policies and local legislation. Despite these similarities, the religious landscape offers a contrast. Oregon's residents tend to be less religiously affiliated, embracing a variety of spiritual paths, while California has a significant portion of its population identifying with Catholicism, reflecting its large Hispanic community. No matter your political or religious orientation, both states offer vibrant communities that cater to diverse perspectives.

Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to California

Moving from Oregon to California offers the opportunity to explore a wide range of educational settings. Whether you're interested in public or private schools for your children, or assessing where most seniors end up going to college, this guide will help you better understand the comparisons between school options in Oregon and California . Examine the differences and make an informed decision on your family's educational journey.

OregonCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
University of California
Berkeley; Stanford University; University of California
Los Angeles

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Ainsworth Elementary
Portland; Findley Elementary
Portland; Jacob Wismer Elementary
Portland
Point Vicente Elementary
Rancho Palos Verdes; La Cañada Elementary
La Cañada Flintridge; Westlake Elementary
Santa Cruz

Top 3 Middle Schools

Stoller Middle School
Portland; Lake Oswego Junior High
Lake Oswego; Cedar Park Middle School
Portland
Miller Middle School
San Jose; Rancho San Joaquin Middle
Irvine; Canyon View Middle
Irvine

Top 3 High Schools

Lincoln High School
Portland; Lake Oswego High School
Lake Oswego; South Eugene High School
Eugene
Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto; Torrey Pines High School
San Diego; Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto

Top 3 private high schools

Catlin Gabel School
Portland; Oregon Episcopal School
Portland; St. Mary's Academy
Portland
Harvard-Westlake School
Los Angeles; Philips Exeter Academy
Exeter; The Harker School
San Jose

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Riverdale Grade School
Portland; The Delphian School
Sheridan; Valley Catholic School
Beaverton
The Nueva School
Hillsborough; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica; The Webb Schools
Claremont

Top 3 School Districts

Lake Oswego School District; Riverdale School District; Beaverton School DistrictPalo Alto Unified School District; Irvine Unified School District; San Marino Unified School District

When comparing the educational landscapes of Oregon and California, a few highlights stand out. For instance, Oregon's top colleges—University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University—are well-regarded for their diverse programs and research opportunities. On the other hand, California boasts prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley and Stanford University, known worldwide for innovation and academic excellence. In terms of K-12 education, both states offer top-notch options. Oregon's Beaverton School District is celebrated for its comprehensive programs and student support services, while California's Palo Alto Unified School District is notable for its strong STEM focus and high college matriculation rates. This comparison underscores the rich educational choices available to families moving between these two states.

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