Moving guide · British Columbia → Oregon

Moving from Vancouver to Portland

Food carts, bridges and Mount Hood an hour away. Here's how life in Portland compares with Vancouver, and what changes when you cross the border.

January in Portland feels much like Vancouver, averaging around 5°C, with around 21 fewer sunny days. A typical home costs roughly 41% less in Portland (about C$1,250,000 vs US$540,000, compared at a sample exchange rate), and everyday costs in Portland are above the US average. Income tax goes from a medium provincial income tax in British Columbia to a high state income tax in Oregon. For lifestyle, you gain live music and leave behind beach and nightlife. (Approximate figures.)

Weather
January average
4°C → 5°C (+1°)
July average
18°C → 21°C (+3°)
Sunny days a year
165 → 144
Snow a year
30 → 10 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
135 → 125
Typical home
C$1,250,000 → US$540,000
Property tax rate
0.28% → 0.95%
Provincial or state income tax
Medium → High
Health care in Portland
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in Portland
Airport
20 min
Ski hill
1h 15m
Beach or lake
1h 30m
Main industries
Tech, apparel, healthcare
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Live music
You leave behind
BeachNightlife
Wildfire: Low Flood: Low Heat: Low
Crossing the border

Moving from Canada to the USA

Staying vs. moving
As a visitor you can usually spend up to about 6 months a year in the US. Living or working there full time needs a visa or green card (TN, E-2, L-1, H-1B and others).
Mortgages
US lenders often want a larger down payment from Canadians and may need an ITIN or US credit. Some Canadian banks have US arms that use your Canadian credit history.
Taxes
Plan for both countries: US property tax, state income tax, and Canadian departure-tax rules if you become a non-resident. Selling later can trigger US withholding (FIRPTA).
Health care
Provincial coverage usually ends after a long absence. Budget for US health insurance from day one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with a licensed immigration lawyer and cross-border tax adviser.
Step-by-step: Canada → USA ›Legal must-dos ›Moving FAQ ›
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Climate, cost and risk figures are approximate and for comparison only. Prices are in each place's local currency.

Moving from Vancouver to Portland · Pinned