Moving from Salem, OR to Pembroke Pines, FL
Cross-country relocations like Salem, OR β Pembroke Pines, FL cover 3304 mi and about 58h 32m of driving through 11 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
3304 mi Β· 58h 32m by car Β· OR β ID β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β ID β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Portland, Vancouver, Hillsboro, Gresham, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salem | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 10.1% pricier overall in Pembroke Pines than Salem on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 10.1% higher in Pembroke Pines than Salem as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salem | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 62.0" |
NOAA normals show Pembroke Pines running 23.2Β°F above Salem on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.67 |
Income steps up 10.1%: $71,900 in Salem vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (23.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Salem vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $71,900 in Salem β a 13.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Salem, OR?
The driving distance is 3304 mi and the route typically takes 58h 32m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 10.1% higher than Salem (114.155 vs 103.649, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $436,318 in Salem β a 11.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Salem to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 3304 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 181,870 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Salem.
City profiles: Salem, OR Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.