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Moving from California to Oregon:
Housing Cost Guide

How your housing costs change when you relocate. Based on 2026 data with 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed.

Monthly Housing Cost Change
-$2,022/mo

Your housing costs will decrease by approximately $2,022 per month ($24,264/year) when you move from California to Oregon.

Side-by-Side Comparison

CaliforniaOregonChange
Median Home Price$785,000$480,000$-305,000
Property Tax Rate0.73%0.93%+0.20%
Monthly Tax (on median)$478$372$-106
Insurance/yr$2,200$1,400$-800
Closing Costs$9K$7K$-2,700
Transfer Tax0.11%0.1%-0.01%
Est. Monthly PITI$5,421/mo$3,399/mo$-2,022/mo

What Your California Equity Buys in Oregon

If you sell your median-priced California home ($785K) and buy in Oregon ($480K):

Equity from sale (est. 30% after typical ownership)$236K
Down payment on Oregon home (20%)$96K
Remaining equity after down payment$140K

Your California equity covers the 20% down payment on a median Oregon home with $140K left over. That surplus can cover closing costs, moving expenses, or go into savings.

Monthly Budget Impact

California PITI
$5,421/mo
Oregon PITI
$3,399/mo
Monthly savings$2,022/mo
Annual savings$24,264/yr
10-year savings$243K

Over 10 years, this move saves you approximately $243K in housing costs alone.

Key Differences to Know

Your dollar stretches further in Oregon. The median home costs 39% less than in California, which translates to a $305K difference in purchase price. This means a smaller loan, a lower monthly payment, and less total interest paid over the life of your mortgage.

You'll save on insurance moving to Oregon: $1,400/year versus $2,200/year in California. That's $800 less per year in premiums, putting $67 back in your monthly budget.

When you buy in Oregon, expect about $7K in closing costs (1.4% of purchase price). This includes a 0.1% transfer tax. Budget for this amount on top of your down payment.

Down Payment Assistance in Oregon

Oregon's OHCS Oregon Bond offers Cash Advantage up to $15K. If you haven't owned a home in three years (or are buying in Oregon for the first time), you may qualify. Check eligibility requirements and income limits on Oregon's housing finance agency website.

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