Moving from Portland, OR to Hayward, CA
It is 648 mi between Portland and Hayward β roughly 12h 30m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
648 mi Β· 12h 30m by car Β· OR β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 99, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Vancouver, Gresham, Hillsboro, Salem, Eugene |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.7% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $534,638 to $848,427 moving to Hayward.
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Portland | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 16.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Portland (54.8Β°F) and Hayward (59.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 3.22 |
Hayward households earn about 9.7% more than Portland at the median β $88,792 β $113,775 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hayward MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Hayward more expensive than Portland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 9.7% higher than Portland (115.613 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Hayward, CA from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 648 mi and the route typically takes 12h 30m via I 5 and OR 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Hayward compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Hayward MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Hayward compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $534,638 in Portland β a 58.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Portland vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $88,792 in Portland β a 28.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 648 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR Β· Hayward, CA.