From no sales tax and year-round lush greenery to award-winning wineries and craft breweries, the list of reasons to love Oregon is endless. However, an exorbitant housing market, poor public school system, high cost of living, and territorial locals can make living in the Beaver State difficult.

If you’re thinking about moving to Oregon, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to understand what you’re getting yourself into before packing up and moving. Life in the Beaver State is idyllic for some, but for others, the seemingly endless rain and high income taxes are non-negotiable.

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#1. Pro: No sales tax

Oregon is one of the five states in the nation that does not require you to pay sales tax on goods and services. That’s right, the price you see on the tag is what you pay at the register!

No sales tax can end up saving you thousands on big-ticket purchases like cars, appliances, furniture, jewelry, and more.

#2. Con: Some of the highest state income taxes

You may not have to pay sales tax while living in Oregon, but you will be paying an income tax that is among the highest in the nation. Oregon has the 4th highest state income tax in the country right behind California, Hawaii, and New Jersey.

Oregon individual income tax rates range from 4.75% to 9.90% depending on your income bracket. If that doesn’t seem like much, let’s break those percentages down into dollar amounts to add some perspective. You’ll pay $13,064 in income taxes if you earn $55,000 per year.

#3. Pro: Outdoors galore

From mighty mountain peaks and wind-swept coastal shorelines to sprawling high deserts, Oregon has every natural wonder you could ask for.

Even better? Depending on where you live, you’re usually just a short two-hour drive (or less!) from the forests, mountains, rivers, ocean, or desert—whatever environment you prefer, Oregon has it.

With nearly every outdoor activity at your fingertips, from hiking Angel’s Rest in the Gorge to windsurfing in

Hood River

, riding Mount Hood, or surfing in

Florence

, it’s no wonder Oregonians are such outdoor enthusiasts.

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The best time to travel to Cannon Beach, Oregon

#4. Con: Get ready for nine months of gray skies and rain

If you’re planning to move to Oregon (with the exception of the eastern region), you can expect dreary gray clouds and rainfall from October through June. In fact, it’s known among locals that summer doesn’t actually begin till July 5th in Oregon.

With most folks flocking to larger cities, it’s important to note that

Portland

is thethird-rainiest city in the United States with 164 rainy days annually. Needless to say, you’ll want to invest in a quality raincoat and SAD lamp.

This is the weather that makes the Pacific Northwest so lush and green throughout the year, but for some, the nine months of gray skies and rain are a deal-breaker.

MORE:

Moving to Portland

#5. Pro: Bicycling is a lifestyle

Can you guess which city in Oregon was crowned the most bicycle-friendly in America? If you named Portland, you’re right!

With over 350 miles of bike-ways and the bicycling commuter percentage that is 14 times the national average, it’s no wonder Portland is ranked the most bicycle-friendly city in America.

Bicycling is more than just a mode of transportation in Portland; it’s a lifestyle. There’s the annual Naked Bike Ride (yup, it’s exactly what you think),

Pedalpalooza

, a three-month-long summer festival of daily themed bike rides, and the

Portland Bridge Pedal

, an annual event where you bicycle over the city’s most iconic bridges!

Bicycle culture doesn’t stop in Portland. The Oregon Scenic Bikeways are expert-curated, state-designated routes that showcase Oregon’s epic scenery. Sprawling along desert highways, over mountain passes, near crashing ocean waves, through pine forests and quaint towns, each bikeway route has something different two offer.

You can check out the

Oregon Scenic Bikeway guide

to pick and choose your own bicycle adventure.

MORE:

How drivers can coexist with bicyclists

#6. Con: One of the worst public school systems in the nation

Oregon public schools rank 44th in the country just behind Mississippi and above Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia. With a high school graduation rate of 80.6% compared to the national average of 86%, Oregon has some of the highest dropout rates in the nation.

While Oregon continually ranks among the worst public school systems in the nation, each public school district varies from the state average. If you have or plan to have children, be sure to research the school districts in the area when considering your move to Oregon.

#7. Pro: It’s easy to be green

With recycling and renewable energy programs both affordable and accessible, it’s easy to be sustainable when you live in Oregon. In fact, Oregon has one of the lowest carbon footprints in America, and Portland is ranked among the greenest cities in the world.

Recycling will become second nature, and you won’t leave home without your reusable water bottle or mug if you move to Oregon!

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Car insurance for green vehicles

#8. Con: Sky-high housing market

The housing market in Oregon has soared sky-high over the past ten years and is at an all-time high.

With a median home value of $509,539 in 2022, Oregon home prices increased by 19.8%from the previous year and continue to rise. To put this in perspective, the national average home price is $428,700.

The average home listing price in Portland is $565,000 but how much you actually pay for a house will vary depending on where you live. In Portland’s more popular neighborhoods, you’ll find 3-bedroom homes listed anywhere between $675,000 and $1,150,000.

#9. Pro: Award-winning wineries and craft breweries

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or beer enthusiast, you’ll have an ample selection of locally made libations. Oregon is home to 774 wineries and 311 craft breweries.

Vineyards in the Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge are world-renowned for their award-winning Pinot Noirs, while Portland is the craft-beer capital of the world, with more breweries than any other city.

#10. Con: High cost of living

With a cost of living index of 113.1 (the national average is 100), Oregon is just over 31% more expensive than the rest of the country, making it one of the most costly states to live in.

The median household income is $67,058 per year in Oregon, but how much you need to live comfortably will depend on where you live.

The median household income is $73,159 in Portland, while in

Eugene

it’s $52,689. Of course, what it means to live comfortably is different for every person, and you can definitely make ends meet with less than the median household income in your area.

MORE:

Oregon cost of living

Is Oregon a good state to live in?

Oregon is a good state to live in, but of course it has its setbacks. You want to weigh all the pros and cons above to make sure Oregon is right for you.

Oregon is a great state for:

Wine and beer enthusiasts

Outdoors lovers

Folks who prefer the rain to the sun

Environmentalists

But if you’re worried about the public school system or your ability to own a home, the cons of living in Oregon may not be worth the move.

MORE:

Oregon renters insurance

How to upgrade your car insurance in Oregon

One of the biggest cons of living in Oregon is the high cost of living, and car ownership costs contribute to that. Luckily, you can cut car ownership costs by using Jerry to shop around for car insurance.

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Does Oregon have good public schools?

The Oregon public school system ranks 44th in the nation and has a high school graduation rate of 80.6% which is well below the national average. You’ll want to research specific school districts before moving to Oregon.

What are the winters like in Oregon?

Unless you live in the eastern high desert or mountains, you can expect grey clouds and heavy rainfall in Oregon during the winters. Portland is among the rainiest cities in the United States and experiences 164 days of rain annually.

Is Oregon racially diverse?

Oregon has a reputation of being one of the least racially diverse states in the nation and it’s not wrong. According to new census data, the state of Oregon is 71.7% white while Multnomah County in Portland is slightly more diverse at 65.7% white.

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