Moving to Portland, OR in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Portland, OR.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Portland, OR.

Are you considering moving to Portland Oregon?

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas in the country and Portland is one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest.

If you love the great outdoors and enjoy biking, hiking, camping, and exploring as much as you can, moving to Portland Oregon is perfect for you.

If you’re wondering if Portland is right for you, this guide contains all the key information you need to know about the city to make the right decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Portland is perfect for you.

facts of Portland

Quick Facts To Know If You’re Moving To Portland, OR

  • Portland’s summer high in July is around 81 degrees
  • Portland’s future job growth is predicted to hit 42.39%
  • Portland is home to major leading industries in Oregon
  • Portland’s average annual pay for average jobs is $69,774 a year
  • Around 44.5% of Portland population are renters
  • Portland’s future job growth is predicted to hit 42.39%
  • Property tax rate in Oregon is 0.87 average effective rate

What salary do you need to live in Portland?

The minimum amount of money needed to live above the poverty line is calculated using the cost of living. In Portland, a family of three will need to make at least $33.44 per hour or $18.72 per hour if they are single and without a child.

Is it cheaper to live in Seattle or Portland?

It is cheaper to live in Portland than in Seattle. Seattle is 24.1 percent more expensive than Portland. Housing costs in Portland are 41.3 percent less expensive than those in Seattle. In Portland, medical costs are 0.8 percent higher.

Why is Portland so popular?

Portland is a place that people keep moving to for a reason. To get to the beach, it takes an hour to the west, and to reach the mountains, it takes an hour to the east. Portland is recognized for many things, including its livability, cuisine, beverages, arts, and culture.

How rainy is Portland?

Portland experiences rainfall that is only 5 inches higher than the 42-inch national average. For instance, Southern Texas receives 60 to 70 inches of rain annually. 0.01 inches of rain fall on rainy days on average in Portland. In terms of yearly rainfall, Portland doesn't even rank among the top 20 US cities.

Why are so many Californians moving to Oregon?

People are moving from California to Oregon mostly for the cooler climate and weather. Oregon's Mediterranean-style climate is one of the reasons why many Californians are relocating there. Oregon enjoys all four seasons, while being a little cooler than California and having cloudy, wet winters and falls.

Why is Portland Oregon famous?

What is Portland, Oregon best known for? The Pacific Northwest region of the United States is home to the energetic and picturesque city of Portland, Oregon. The state's largest city is renowned for having huge green areas, including stunning mountaintops, parks, and woods.

What is Portland culture?

Portland offers a small-town atmosphere with big city variety. It's a laid-back community with a reputation for its artistic population, beer made with local Oregonian hops, and—interestingly—the biggest concentration of strip clubs per capita in the USA.

What's the Population of Portland, Oregon?

The population of Portland is 666,249 people. The city is the county seat of Multnomah County and Washington County Oregon. Here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s population since you’re considering moving to Portland:

  • Portland’s population is currently growing at a rate of 1.04% annually
  • Portland’s population has increased by 2.11% since 2010
  • Portland’s median age is 37.1 years
  • The median age is 37 years for males and 37.1 years for females

How Fast Can You Commute in Portland, Oregon?

Portland’s average one-way commute time takes 26.1 minutes. The American average is 26.4 minutes. shorter commuting time means you’ll have more time for yourself and loved ones. Here’s how the city’s residents get to work since you’re mulling over moving to Portland:

  • About 57.7% drive their own car alone
  • Up to 8.9% carpool with others
  • Around 7.6% work from home
  • About 12.3% take mass transit

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Portland, OR.

How Is The Weather Like In Portland, Oregon?

Portland averages 144 sunny days per year. The U.S. average is 205 sunny days. One of the key things you’ll have to consider before making up your mind about moving to Portland is the weather. To give you an idea of what to expect, the following are key stats about the city’s weather and climate:

  • Portland’s summer high in July is around 81 degrees
  • Portland winter low in January is around 36 degrees
  • Portland averages 3 inches of snow per year. The U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Portland averages 43 inches of rain a year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • Portland gets 156 days or precipitation every year
moving to portland

Top 10 Reasons To Move To Portland, Oregon

Why are people moving to Portland, OR? Every year, thousands of people move in and out of the city and there are several reasons for that.

The following are the top ten reasons people are moving to Portland, OR:

  • Low sales tax
  • Government spending is high
  • Fast internet
  • Race diversity
  • Religion diversity
  • Higher educated people
  • Low hurricane risk
  • Low wildfire risk
  • Low cancer incidence rate
  • Low cancer mortality rate
portland pros and cons

Pros & Cons Of Moving To Portland, Oregon

Once you figure out the pros and cons of moving to Portland, you’ll find it easier to decide if the city is right for you.

The following are the key pros and cons of moving to Portland:

Pros of living in Portland Cons of living in Portland
You will experience a new level of green in nature when living in PortlandThe city is not as inclusive as some might think that it is
You can find amazing natural wonders within an easy driveTrying to travel out of Portland can be rather inconvenient
There are plenty of communities for you to joinProperty taxes in Portland are higher than in other places in the Pacific Northwest
Biking to work is common in Portland, ORHousing costs in Portland, OR are very high
It is easy enough to get around once you get to know the cityLots of Rain
You can’t beat what summer feels like in PortlandThe property crime rate is high
It’s Great for Young ProfessionalsThe weather can be challenging to manage when living in Portland
Portland, OR, Offers Wold-Class CuisineSeasonal affective disorder can be a disabling issue that happens to you
Summer in Portland, OR is BeautifulYou won’t have much access to air conditioning when living in Portland
The Job MarketTraffic can be a nightmare in Portland
The Charming Neighborhoods in PortlandYou might need to dig to find quality food options
Proximity to the outdoorsIt can be tough to find a place to live if you’re renting
Portland causes you to embrace an outdoor lifestyle
place to live portland

Best Neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon

Portland is home to several beautiful and livable neighborhoods. You’ll most likely be interested in some of the best places to live in the city. Here’s a list of the ten best neighborhoods in the city since you’re considering moving to Portland:

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value Median Income
1.Alameda9,040$588,075$110,249
2.Forest Park10,184$664,927$138,185
3.Irvington8,968$488,486$76,071
4.Homestead2,809$562,080$83,972
5.Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill8,195$406,833$81,749
6.King15,335$423,211$83,104
7.Linnton736$554,700$115,628
8.Richmond18,996$408,912$71,477
9.Ross Island154$450,000$100,139
10.Eastmoreland5,822$455,088$94,644

Tip:When you’ve got a home to move in Portland, OR, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

cost of living in portland

Cost of Living in Portland, OR

The cost of living in Portland is 130.8. The U.S. average is 100. This means that Oregon’s cost of living is 14.6 times lower than the U.S. average.

The following is a simple breakdown of the key elements that makes up the city’s cost of living since you’re considering moving to Portland:

Living Expense Portland Oregon National Average
Overall130.8113.1100
Grocery103.7100.4100
Health85.988100
Housing181.5148.9100
Median Home Cost$536,900$438,100$291,700
Utilities79.981100
Transportation129.9107.1100
Miscellaneous113.297.6100

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How Is The Housing Market Of Portland, OR?

Buying a home might be your preferred housing choice if you’re moving to Portland, OR. Currently, there are more homeowners in the city than renters. To give you an idea of what to expect, we collated key stats about the city’s housing market since you’re considering moving to Portland, Oregon.

  • Portland’s median home cost is $536,900
  • Over the last 10 years, Portland’s home values increased by 110.8%
  • Portland home appreciation is up by 15.6%
  • Around 44.5% of Portland population are renters
  • Up to 1.8% of homes and apartments in Portland are open to rent

Average Rental Prices In Portland, Oregon

Renting a home after moving to Portland, OR can be a good housing option. The type of home you want and the location you choose will determine the rent you’ll have to pay. Here’s a quick breakdown of the average cost of renting a home in Portland:

  • Portland’s average rent for a studio apartment is $1,167
  • Portland’s average rent for 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,246
  • Portland’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,430
  • Portland’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $2,021
  • Portland’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $2,392
jobs in portland

How Is The Job Market In Portland, Oregon?

Getting a job in Portland is easier compared to other similar-sized cities across the country.

If you’re interested in moving to Portland and getting a new job, the following are key stats to note:

  • Portland’s unemployment rate is 6.9%. The American average is 6.0%
  • Portland’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Portland’s jobs have grown by 0.9% over the past year
  • Portland’s future job growth is predicted to hit 42.39%

Here’s a table that shows a simple breakdown of Portland’s job market:

Employment Information Portland, Oregon United States
The income per Cap$36,492$31,177
Household Income$61,532$57,652
Unemployment Rate6.96.0%
Recent Job Growth-4.82%-6.18%
Future Job Growth42.39%33.51%

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Fastest Growing Jobs In Portland, Oregon

If you’re interested in getting a job faster, you shouldn’t hesitate to take a look at the fastest growing jobs in Portland. The following are the top ten fastest growing jobs in the city since you’re considering moving to Portland, OR:

Rank Job Title Growth % Average Salary Jobs in 2024
1Health Claims Examiner152.8%$82,8701,390
2Physical Therapy Aide152.2%$28,9201,020
3Web Developer142.2%$64,3004,850
4Operations Analyst141.5%$75,7101,160
5Physical Therapist137.5%$83,7003,780
6Nurse Practitioner134.5%$113,3801,950
7Physician Assistant135.1%$110,3101,540
8Industrial Mechanic133.8%$55,9006,140
9Interpreter And Translator133.6%$41,6101,630
10Home Health Aid133.2%$23,9606,860

Top career options in Portland, Oregon

Obstetricians and Gynecologists are the highest paying jobs in Portland, OR. If you’re moving to Portland, you’ll most likely be interested in the city’s highest paying jobs. The following are the city’s highest paying jobs since you’re considering moving to Portland:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1Obstetricians and Gynecologists$322,890$154,49080
2General Internal Medicine Physicians$308,310$165,070190
3Surgeons, All Other$306,730$101,07070
4Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$303,100$66,300100
5Psychiatrists$291,110$154,49080
6Chief Executives$283,080$127,510540
7Dentists, General$216,330$128,690940
8Physicians, Pathologists$210,770$60,02040
9Podiatrists$205,040$80,55050
10Physicians, All Other$195,370$62,8503,210

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Portland, OR

You’ll find lots of top-quality companies to work for if you’re moving to Portland, OR. The city is home to various businesses and organizations. The following are the best companies to work for if you’re moving to Portland, OR:

  • Partners Group LTD
  • Pacifi
  • Umpqua Bank
  • Stoel Rives
  • Standard Insurance Company
  • Portland General Electric
  • Schnitzer Steel
  • Vigor Industrial
  • Daimler Trucks North America
  • SoloPower

What's the Average Salary & Income in Portland, Oregon?

The kind of job your do and your level of expertise will most likely determine your average salary and income in Oregon. Let’s find out how much people are earning on average in the city, since you’re considering moving to Portland:

  • Portland’s average annual pay for average jobs is $69,774 a year
  • Portland’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $33.55 an hour
  • Portland’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $1342 per week
  • Portland’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $5,814 per month
  • Portland’s top earners (90th percentile) making $99,961 annually

Major Industries in Portland, Oregon

Portland is home to several leading industries in Oregon. Moving to Portland means you’ll get the chance to be a part of any of the state’s leading industries. The best part is that these industries are known for propelling the state’s economy. Here are the key industries in the city if you’re moving to Portland, Oregon:

  • Apparel & Outdoor
  • Bioscience
  • Climate Tech
  • Computers & Electronics
  • Design & Media
  • Food & Beverage
  • Metals & Machinery
  • Software
  • High Tech
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Wholesale Trade
taxes in oregon

How are taxes like in Oregon?

Moving to Oregon means paying lower or higher taxes depending on where you’re moving from.

We’ve highlighted key stats about the state’s taxes since you’re considering moving to Oregon:

  • Income tax rate in Oregon is 0.50% - 5%
  • Cities in Oregon have no local income taxes
  • Oregon sales tax is 4.5% - 11.5%
  • Property tax rate in Oregon is 0.87 average effective rate
  • Gas tax is 19 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline
portland things to do

What Are the Best Things to Do in Portland, Oregon?

There are no dull moments in Portland. You’ll find lots of exciting things to do and beautiful places and attractions to visit. The following are the best things to do in the city if you’re moving to Portland, Oregon.

  • Go on a Portland Food Tour
  • Take a Sustainable Farm Tour with Farm 2 Fork
  • Taste of the Willamette Valley Tour
  • Taste Portland’s Best Doughnuts
  • Have yourself a craft coffee
  • Order a Spanish Coffee at the oldest restaurant in Portland
  • Satisfy your ice cream cravings
  • Eat your way around one of the best pizza cities in the US
  • Visit Willamette Valley Wineries
  • Go Brewery Hopping
  • Taste spirits at a Distillery
  • Grab some grub at a Food Truck Pod
  • Enjoy truly sustainable sushi
  • Hike to the “Witch’s Castle”
  • Explore Portland by bicycle
  • Go chasing waterfalls in the Columbia River Valley

How Safe Is Portland, Oregon?

Is Portland safe for you and your loved ones? Safety is one of the key things you’ll have to consider before moving to Portland. To give you an idea of what to expect, we’ve collated key stats about the city’s crime rates. The following stats will make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Portland is right for you or not:

  • The violent crime rate in Portland is 21.7. The U.S. average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Portland is 72.3. The U.S. average is 35.4
  • Residents have a 1 in 191.3 chance of being the victim of a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 21.1 chance of being the victim of a property crime

Tip:Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.

Statistic Count Raw Portland/ 100k People Oregon/ 100k People National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K34,8815,261.62,950.92,346.0
Murder538.02.96.5
Robbery807121.751.473.9
Aggravated Assault2,343353.4200.6279.7
Violent Crime3,465522.7291.9387.8
Burglary3,759567.0339.2314.2
Larceny21,2873,211.01,928.81,398.0
Car Theft6,370960.9391.0246.0
Property Crime31,4164,738.92,659.01,958.2
schools in portland

What Are the Top Schools in the Portland, OR?

You’ll find some of the best schools in Portland, OR. The city is home to many leading elementary, middle, and high schools as well as universities and colleges.

Moving to Portland guarantees easier access to any of these schools. The following are the best schools in the city since you’re considering moving to Portland, OR:

Top 5 Public Elementary Schools in Portland, Oregon

  • Riverdale Grade School
    Public, K-8 | 400 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Skyline Elementary School
    Public, K-8 | 274 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Winterhaven School
    Public, K-8 | 321 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Jacob Wismer Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 727 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Ridgewood Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 421 students, Rating: 7/10

Top 5 Public Middle Schools in Portland, Oregon

  • Riverdale Grade School
    Public, K-8 | 400 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Skyline Elementary School
    Public, K-8 | 274 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Winterhaven School
    Public, K-8 | 321 students, Rating: 7/10

  • West Sylvan Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 822 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Stoller Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 1,543 students, Rating: 7/10

Best Public High Schools in Portland

  • Grant High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,636 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Riverdale High School
    Public, 9-12 | 236 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Lincoln High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,698 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Westview High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,466 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Benson Polytechnic High School
    Public, 9-12 | 1,036 students, Rating: 8/10

Top Colleges and Universities in Portland

  • Portland State University

  • Oregon Health & Science University

  • Reed College

  • University of Portland

  • Lewis & Clark College

  • Pacific Northwest College of Art

  • Multnomah University

  • Warner Pacific College

  • Portland, Concordia University

  • Maine College of Art

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