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Florida vs Oregon: Which Is Better to Live In?

Florida ranks #21 of 50 overall and Oregon #35 as of the latest release. They cost about the same to live in (cost of living index 103.4 vs 103.4); Florida has no income tax and has a 12% lower violent crime rate. Florida scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 5.

The biggest differences
  • Center-based infant care, per year is 35% lower in Florida ($14,230 vs. $21,774 in Oregon).
  • Property crime rate is 34% lower in Florida (1,402 vs. 2,118 in Oregon).
  • Typical rent, largest metro is 32% lower in Oregon ($1,818 vs. $2,666 in Florida).
Headline measures: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap +9 pts59.9#21 of 50 · B50.9#35 of 50 · C+9 pts—FL
Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap 0 pts (0%) · US 100103.4#40 of 50103.4#41 of 500 pts0%100Even
Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$31,350 · US -$11,758-$10,486#24 of 50-$41,836#44 of 50+$31,350-$11,758FL
Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$120,643 (-24%) · US $368,697$375,470#28 of 50$496,113#40 of 50-$120,643-24%$368,697FL
Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -2.57 pts · US 8.74%6.49%#6 of 509.06%#31 of 50-2.57 pts8.74%FL
Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -36 (-12%) · US 328275#23 of 50311#29 of 50-36-12%328FL
Median household incomeGap -$7,485 (-9%) · US $80,903$77,735#26 of 50$85,220#16 of 50-$7,485-9%$80,903OR
High school graduation rateGap +6 pts · US 85.62%87.3%#19 of 5081.3%#44 of 50+6 pts85.62%FL
Life expectancyGap +0.2 yrs · US 76.977.9#19 of 5077.7#21 of 50+0.2 yrs76.9Even
Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +55,394 · US -33+55,349#2 of 50-45#27 of 50+55,394-33FL

Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.

Is Florida or Oregon better to live in?

Florida scores higher overall: 59.9 to 50.9 out of 100, #21 of 50 against #35. Florida leads 6 of 11 categories, Oregon leads 5, and 0 are within 3 points.

Category scores: Florida vs Oregon
CategoryWeightFloridaFLOregonORGapAhead
Economy15% of scoregap +12.115%45.0#27 · C+32.9#40 · C+12.1 ptsFL
Safety12% of scoregap +13.512%73.1#23 · B59.6#39 · C+13.5 ptsFL
Health12% of scoregap -3.312%60.5#19 · B63.8#14 · B+-3.3 ptsOR
Education12% of scoregap +25.512%61.1#23 · B35.6#46 · D+25.5 ptsFL
Affordability10% of scoregap +16.810%61.9#31 · C+45.1#44 · D+16.8 ptsFL
Fiscal Health8% of scoregap +14.88%70.2#10 · A55.4#34 · C++14.8 ptsFL
Growth7% of scoregap +21.77%44.9#20 · B23.2#42 · C+21.7 ptsFL
Transportation7% of scoregap -22.77%43.6#39 · C66.3#1 · A+-22.7 ptsOR
Livability7% of scoregap -21.17%26.9#36 · C48.0#8 · A-21.1 ptsOR
Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -25.66%27.8#24 · B53.4#5 · A+-25.6 ptsOR
Environment4% of scoregap -30.24%34.0#36 · C64.2#5 · A+-30.2 ptsOR

Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →

Category overlay
FloridaOregon

Is Florida cheaper than Oregon?

Florida and Oregon cost about the same day to day: cost of living index 103.4 vs 103.4 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $31,350 more a year in Florida after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.

Cost of living: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap 0 pts (0%) · US 100103.4#40 of 50103.4#41 of 500 pts0%100Even
Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -7.2 pts (-7%) · US 10098.1#33 of 50105.3#45 of 50-7.2 pts-7%100FL
Residential electricity priceGap -0.13¢ (-1%) · US 17.84¢/kWh15.24¢/kWh#23 of 5015.37¢/kWh#26 of 50-0.13¢-1%17.84¢/kWhEven
Residential natural gas priceGap +$8.77 (+52%) · US $15.83/Mcf$25.48/Mcf#49 of 50$16.71/Mcf#31 of 50+$8.77+52%$15.83/McfOR
Gasoline priceGap -$0.98 (-24%) · US $3.32/gal$3.08/gal#12 of 50$4.06/gal#46 of 50-$0.98-24%$3.32/galFL
Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$7,544 (-35%) · US $15,633$14,230#22 of 50$21,774#45 of 50-$7,544-35%$15,633FL

Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.

Left after typical costs at $75,000: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORAhead
Single Adultearning $75,000Gap +$12,432+$33,384costs $41,617+$20,952costs $54,048+$12,432FL
Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap +$14,401+$24,059costs $50,942+$9,658costs $65,342+$14,401FL
Family of 4earning $75,000Gap +$31,350-$10,486costs $85,486-$41,836costs $116,836+$31,350FL
Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap +$12,889+$36,999costs $38,001+$24,110costs $50,891+$12,889FL

Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.

Annual costs for a family of four: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORAhead
HousingGap -$8,508$25,862$34,370-$8,508FL
ChildcareGap -$15,088$28,460$43,548-$15,088FL
UtilitiesGap $0$4,963$4,963$0Even
GroceriesGap -$811$11,049$11,860-$811FL
TransportationGap -$3,080$9,680$12,760-$3,080FL
State and local taxesGap -$3,863$5,472$9,335-$3,863FL

Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.

Which has lower taxes, Florida or Oregon?

Florida collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 6.49% vs 9.06%. Florida has no income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack; Oregon has high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack.

Taxes: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -2.57 pts · US 8.74%6.49%#6 of 509.06%#31 of 50-2.57 pts8.74%FL
Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -14.69 pts · US 5.46%none#5 of 5014.69%#49 of 50-14.69 pts5.46%FL
Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -0.04 pts · US 1.02%0.82%#23 of 500.86%#26 of 50-0.04 pts1.02%Even
Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +6.98 pts · US 6.66%6.98%#24 of 500%#4 of 50+6.98 pts6.66%OR

Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.

Are homes more expensive in Florida or Oregon?

Homes cost 32% more in Oregon: a typical home value of $375,470 in Florida vs $496,113 in Oregon. Buying the typical home takes about $108,280 of income in Florida and $130,378 in Oregon; the median household earns $77,735 and $85,220.

Housing: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$120,643 (-24%) · US $368,697$375,470#28 of 50$496,113#40 of 50-$120,643-24%$368,697FL
Home value change, one yearGap -1.4 pts · US +1.2%-1.5%#48 of 50-0.1%#42 of 50-1.4 pts+1.2%OR
Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$848 (+47%) · US $1,948$2,666#46 of 50$1,818#29 of 50+$848+47%$1,948OR
Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$22,098 (-17%) · US $100,006$108,280#31 of 50$130,378#40 of 50-$22,098-17%$100,006FL
Home value to income ratioGap -1x (-17%) · US 4.6x4.8x#33 of 505.8x#42 of 50-1x-17%4.6xFL

Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.

Market snapshot
Housing market snapshot: Florida vs Oregon
FLOR
Monthly payment, 20% down$1,932$2,552
Income needed vs. median+39%+53%
Five-year change+20.3%+7.7%
Market temperatureWarmCool
Largest metroMiamiPortland

Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).

Do people earn more in Florida or Oregon?

Oregon pays more: median household income $85,220 vs $77,735, with unemployment at 3.9% in Florida and 5.2% in Oregon. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, Florida's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 0 after adjusting for local costs and Oregon's in 13.

Economy: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Median household incomeGap -$7,485 (-9%) · US $80,903$77,735#26 of 50$85,220#16 of 50-$7,485-9%$80,903OR
Unemployment rateGap -1.3 pts · US 3.95%3.9%#24 of 505.2%#47 of 50-1.3 pts3.95%FL
GDP per capitaGap -$1,155 (-2%) · US $64,333$60,655#29 of 50$61,810#26 of 50-$1,155-2%$64,333Even
Real GDP growthGap +2 pts · US +1.91%+3.5%#4 of 50+1.5%#37 of 50+2 pts+1.91%FL
Population growthGap +0.66 pts · US +0.51%+0.85%#13 of 50+0.19%#39 of 50+0.66 pts+0.51%FL

Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.

Same job, best-paying metro in each state · cost-adjusted wage
Show all 20 occupations
Occupation wages: Florida vs Oregon
OccupationFLORAhead
Family Medicine Physicians$213,282$219,680 in Miami$226,980$238,329 in PortlandOR
Software Developers$126,859$130,665 in Miami$137,573$144,452 in PortlandOR
Registered Nurses$85,835$88,410 in Miami$92,574$97,203 in PortlandOR
Dietitians & Nutritionists$66,198$68,184 in Miami$72,428$76,049 in PortlandOR
Accountants & Auditors$81,307$83,746 in Miami$86,245$90,557 in PortlandOR
Civil Engineers$92,304$95,073 in Miami$96,128$100,934 in PortlandOR
Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$51,587$53,135 in Miami$55,405$58,175 in PortlandOR
Construction Laborers$40,921$42,149 in Miami$44,438$46,660 in PortlandOR
Secondary School Teachers$64,487$66,422 in Miami$67,819$71,210 in PortlandOR
HVAC Mechanics & Installers$58,177$59,922 in Miami$61,091$64,146 in PortlandOR
General & Operations Managers$102,658$105,738 in Miami$105,400$110,670 in PortlandEven
Mental Health Counselors$53,730$55,342 in Miami$56,221$59,032 in PortlandOR
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)$54,421$56,054 in Miami$56,549$59,376 in PortlandOR
Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers$73,359$75,560 in Miami$75,439$79,211 in PortlandEven
Electricians$60,481$62,295 in Miami$62,375$65,494 in PortlandOR
Lawyers$147,977$152,416 in Miami$146,126$153,432 in PortlandEven
Sales Representatives (Wholesale/Manufacturing)$67,113$69,126 in Miami$68,165$71,573 in PortlandEven
Cooks, Restaurant$34,725$35,767 in Miami$34,098$35,803 in PortlandEven
Computer Systems Analysts$107,205$110,421 in Miami$106,930$112,276 in PortlandEven
Welders, Cutters & Brazers$48,013$49,453 in Miami$48,073$50,477 in PortlandEven

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, latest release: the median wage in each state's best-paying metro, adjusted for that metro's cost of living (BEA regional price parities). Sorted by the size of the gap.

Is Florida safer than Oregon?

Florida is safer: 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 311 in Oregon (FBI). Property crime runs 1,402 and 2,118 per 100,000. Florida shows the FBI's prior-year estimate because the FBI flags its latest year as based on limited data.

Crime: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -36 (-12%) · US 328275#23 of 50311#29 of 50-36-12%328FL
Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -716 (-34%) · US 1,5351,402#20 of 502,118#48 of 50-716-34%1,535FL

FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida uses the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.

Safest tracked city in each state

Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.

Which has better schools and health, Florida or Oregon?

Florida scores higher for education (#23 of 50 vs #46), with high school graduation rates of 87.3% and 81.3%. Oregon scores higher for health (#14 vs #19); life expectancy is 77.9 years in Florida and 77.7 in Oregon.

Schools and health: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -1 · US 273267#41 of 50268#40 of 50-1273Even
NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -2 · US 257253#43 of 50255#36 of 50-2257Even
High school graduation rateGap +6 pts · US 85.62%87.3%#19 of 5081.3%#44 of 50+6 pts85.62%FL
Life expectancyGap +0.2 yrs · US 76.977.9#19 of 5077.7#21 of 50+0.2 yrs76.9Even
Adults with obesityGap -3.9 pts · US 34.03%29.6%#8 of 5033.5%#22 of 50-3.9 pts34.03%FL
Residents without health insuranceGap +5.7 pts · US 7.6%10.9%#45 of 505.2%#9 of 50+5.7 pts7.6%OR
Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +9 pts (+28%) · US 38.841#29 of 5032#5 of 50+9 pts+28%38.8OR

High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).

Best school metrics, tracked cities

City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: Florida #23, Oregon #46. Health: Florida #19, Oregon #14.

Are more people moving from Florida to Oregon, or from Oregon to Florida?

2,012 households moved from Florida to Oregon and 2,289 moved from Oregon to Florida in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 277 households for Florida. Movers to Oregon reported an average income of $67,356; movers to Florida reported $82,153. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 2,742 people (±1,537) moving from Florida to Oregon and 2,825 (±1,169) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.

Moves between Florida and Oregon
Roughly balanced
Florida Oregon2,012 households · avg income $67,356 (IRS)
2,742 people ±1,537
Oregon Florida2,289 households · avg income $82,153 (IRS)
2,825 people ±1,169

Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.

Overall migration: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORAhead
Households moving inIRSGap +289,726 (+450%)354,112#1 of 5064,386#23 of 50+289,726+450%FL
Households moving outIRSGap +234,332 (+364%)298,763#49 of 5064,431#29 of 50+234,332+364%OR
Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +55,394+55,349#2 of 50-45#27 of 50+55,394FL
Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +2.4+2.4#9 of 50-0.0#27 of 50+2.4FL
Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$47,757 (+64%)$122,539#1 of 50$74,782#29 of 50+$47,757+64%FL
Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$5,990 (-7%)$76,134#20 of 50$82,124#14 of 50-$5,990-7%OR
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +0.5+1.0#25 of 50+0.5#30 of 50+0.5FL

Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.

Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, Florida or Oregon?

Florida is the better fit for families, young professionals, and small business; Oregon is the better fit for outdoor enthusiasts; 2 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.

Lifestyle fit: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORAhead
FamiliesGap -18 places#24score 65.4#42score 53.3-18 placesFL
RetireesGap -2 places#18score 66.2#20score 64.3-2 placesEven
Remote WorkersGap -1 places#27score 51.6#28score 50.9-1 placesEven
Young ProfessionalsGap -15 places#24score 53.9#39score 43.5-15 placesFL
Small BusinessGap -23 places#19score 62.4#42score 40.2-23 placesFL
Outdoor EnthusiastsGap +17 places#26score 44.3#9score 63.4+17 placesOR

Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.

Where each index leads

Which cities stand out in Florida and Oregon?

Florida has 80 tracked cities and Oregon has 20; the largest are Jacksonville and Portland. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.

Standout cities: Florida vs Oregon
Best forFloridaFLOregonOR
Largest citypopulationJacksonville977,670 peoplePortland641,165 people
Highest composite scorecomposite scorePalm Beach Gardensscore 64.8Bethanyscore 75.7
Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000Pembroke Pines42 violent per 100KLake Oswego55 violent per 100K
Cheapest citycost of living indexThe Villagescost index 85.4Grants Passcost index 97.8
Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20Westchesterwalkability 15.3 of 20Portlandwalkability 15.7 of 20
Cleanest airmedian air quality index, countyPort St. Luciecounty median AQI 34Bendcounty median AQI 23
Best schoolsgraduation rate, %Sanford95% graduation rateLake Oswego96% graduation rate
Richest citymedian household incomeWestonmedian income $139,825Bethanymedian income $167,735
Fastest growingpopulation growth, %St. Cloud+5.7% growthRedmond+2.6% growth

Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.

How do Florida and Oregon compare on everything else?

State finances, environment, and getting around. Florida carries AAA credit rating and Oregon AA.

Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
Environment and getting around: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Renewable share of electricityGap -57 pts · US 29.34%10%#39 of 5067%#7 of 50-57 pts29.34%OR
FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -17.9 (-44%) · US 29.622.5#19 of 5040.4#39 of 50-17.9-44%29.6FL
Public land shareGap -26.3 pts · US 17.16%26.3%#13 of 5052.6%#5 of 50-26.3 pts17.16%OR
Mean travel time to workGap +5.7 min · US 25.2 min28.9 min#44 of 5023.2 min#15 of 50+5.7 min25.2 minOR
Commuters using public transitGap -1.1 pts · US 2.29%1.3%#21 of 502.4%#13 of 50-1.1 pts2.29%OR
Workers working from homeGap -1.6 pts · US 12.28%15.5%#10 of 5017.1%#2 of 50-1.6 pts12.28%OR
Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.6 pts · US 92.67%94.3%#9 of 5093.7%#14 of 50+0.6 pts92.67%FL

Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.

State finances: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +10 pts · US 92.7100#8 of 5090#33 of 50+10 pts92.7FL
Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +4.5 pts · US 12.39%11.7%#20 of 507.2%#41 of 50+4.5 pts12.39%FL
Pension funded ratioGap -3 pts · US 74.3%82%#13 of 5085%#11 of 50-3 pts74.3%OR
State debt per capitaGap -$1,560 (-44%) · US $3,506$1,960#9 of 50$3,520#35 of 50-$1,560-44%$3,506FL
Budget balance, share of spendingGap +1.6 pts · US +4.66%+4.8%#24 of 50+3.2%#37 of 50+1.6 pts+4.66%FL

Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; Florida AAA, Oregon AA), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).

Florida vs Oregon: every metric side by side

Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. Florida is ahead on 30 of 51, Oregon on 14, and 7 are even.

Show all 54 metrics
All metrics: Florida vs Oregon
MeasureFloridaFLOregonORGapFL−ORUSAhead
PopulationGap +19,188,932 (+449%) · US 6.8 million23.5 million#3 of 504.3 million#27 of 50+19,188,932+449%6.8 millionFL
Median household incomeGap -$7,485 (-9%) · US $80,903$77,735#26 of 50$85,220#16 of 50-$7,485-9%$80,903OR
Unemployment rateGap -1.3 pts · US 3.95%3.9%#24 of 505.2%#47 of 50-1.3 pts3.95%FL
Population growthGap +0.66 pts · US +0.51%+0.85%#13 of 50+0.19%#39 of 50+0.66 pts+0.51%FL
GDP per capitaGap -$1,155 (-2%) · US $64,333$60,655#29 of 50$61,810#26 of 50-$1,155-2%$64,333Even
Real GDP growthGap +2 pts · US +1.91%+3.5%#4 of 50+1.5%#37 of 50+2 pts+1.91%FL
Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -36 (-12%) · US 328275#23 of 50311#29 of 50-36-12%328FL
Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -716 (-34%) · US 1,5351,402#20 of 502,118#48 of 50-716-34%1,535FL
High school graduation rateGap +6 pts · US 85.62%87.3%#19 of 5081.3%#44 of 50+6 pts85.62%FL
NAEP math score, grade 4Gap +15 · US 237243#3 of 50229#48 of 50+15237FL
NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -1 · US 273267#41 of 50268#40 of 50-1273Even
NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap +11 · US 214218#10 of 50207#47 of 50+11214FL
NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -2 · US 257253#43 of 50255#36 of 50-2257Even
Life expectancyGap +0.2 yrs · US 76.977.9#19 of 5077.7#21 of 50+0.2 yrs76.9Even
Adults with obesityGap -3.9 pts · US 34.03%29.6%#8 of 5033.5%#22 of 50-3.9 pts34.03%FL
Residents without health insuranceGap +5.7 pts · US 7.6%10.9%#45 of 505.2%#9 of 50+5.7 pts7.6%OR
Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$120,643 (-24%) · US $368,697$375,470#28 of 50$496,113#40 of 50-$120,643-24%$368,697FL
Home value change, one yearGap -1.4 pts · US +1.2%-1.5%#48 of 50-0.1%#42 of 50-1.4 pts+1.2%OR
Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$848 (+47%) · US $1,948$2,666#46 of 50$1,818#29 of 50+$848+47%$1,948OR
Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$22,098 (-17%) · US $100,006$108,280#31 of 50$130,378#40 of 50-$22,098-17%$100,006FL
Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap 0 pts (0%) · US 100103.4#40 of 50103.4#41 of 500 pts0%100Even
Home value to income ratioGap -1x (-17%) · US 4.6x4.8x#33 of 505.8x#42 of 50-1x-17%4.6xFL
Residential electricity priceGap -0.13¢ (-1%) · US 17.84¢/kWh15.24¢/kWh#23 of 5015.37¢/kWh#26 of 50-0.13¢-1%17.84¢/kWhEven
Residential natural gas priceGap +$8.77 (+52%) · US $15.83/Mcf$25.48/Mcf#49 of 50$16.71/Mcf#31 of 50+$8.77+52%$15.83/McfOR
Gasoline priceGap -$0.98 (-24%) · US $3.32/gal$3.08/gal#12 of 50$4.06/gal#46 of 50-$0.98-24%$3.32/galFL
Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -7.2 pts (-7%) · US 10098.1#33 of 50105.3#45 of 50-7.2 pts-7%100FL
Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$7,544 (-35%) · US $15,633$14,230#22 of 50$21,774#45 of 50-$7,544-35%$15,633FL
Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -2.57 pts · US 8.74%6.49%#6 of 509.06%#31 of 50-2.57 pts8.74%FL
Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -14.69 pts · US 5.46%none#5 of 5014.69%#49 of 50-14.69 pts5.46%FL
Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -0.04 pts · US 1.02%0.82%#23 of 500.86%#26 of 50-0.04 pts1.02%Even
Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +6.98 pts · US 6.66%6.98%#24 of 500%#4 of 50+6.98 pts6.66%OR
Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +10 pts · US 92.7100#8 of 5090#33 of 50+10 pts92.7FL
Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +4.5 pts · US 12.39%11.7%#20 of 507.2%#41 of 50+4.5 pts12.39%FL
Pension funded ratioGap -3 pts · US 74.3%82%#13 of 5085%#11 of 50-3 pts74.3%OR
State debt per capitaGap -$1,560 (-44%) · US $3,506$1,960#9 of 50$3,520#35 of 50-$1,560-44%$3,506FL
Budget balance, share of spendingGap +1.6 pts · US +4.66%+4.8%#24 of 50+3.2%#37 of 50+1.6 pts+4.66%FL
Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +9 pts (+28%) · US 38.841#29 of 5032#5 of 50+9 pts+28%38.8OR
Renewable share of electricityGap -57 pts · US 29.34%10%#39 of 5067%#7 of 50-57 pts29.34%OR
FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -17.9 (-44%) · US 29.622.5#19 of 5040.4#39 of 50-17.9-44%29.6FL
Public land shareGap -26.3 pts · US 17.16%26.3%#13 of 5052.6%#5 of 50-26.3 pts17.16%OR
Mean travel time to workGap +5.7 min · US 25.2 min28.9 min#44 of 5023.2 min#15 of 50+5.7 min25.2 minOR
Commuters using public transitGap -1.1 pts · US 2.29%1.3%#21 of 502.4%#13 of 50-1.1 pts2.29%OR
Workers working from homeGap -1.6 pts · US 12.28%15.5%#10 of 5017.1%#2 of 50-1.6 pts12.28%OR
Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.6 pts · US 92.67%94.3%#9 of 5093.7%#14 of 50+0.6 pts92.67%FL
Households moving inIRSGap +289,726 (+450%) · US 78,682354,112#1 of 5064,386#23 of 50+289,726+450%78,682FL
Households moving outIRSGap +234,332 (+364%) · US 78,715298,763#49 of 5064,431#29 of 50+234,332+364%78,715OR
Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +55,394 · US -33+55,349#2 of 50-45#27 of 50+55,394-33FL
Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +2.4 · US +0.4+2.4#9 of 50-0.0#27 of 50+2.4+0.4FL
Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$47,757 (+64%) · US $77,690$122,539#1 of 50$74,782#29 of 50+$47,757+64%$77,690FL
Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$5,990 (-7%) · US $77,024$76,134#20 of 50$82,124#14 of 50-$5,990-7%$77,024OR
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +0.5 · US +1.1+1.0#25 of 50+0.5#30 of 50+0.5+1.1FL
Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$31,350 · US -$11,758-$10,486#24 of 50-$41,836#44 of 50+$31,350-$11,758FL
Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap +$12,432 · US +$31,418+$33,384#22 of 50+$20,952#45 of 50+$12,432+$31,418FL
Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap +$12,889 · US +$35,970+$36,999#24 of 50+$24,110#44 of 50+$12,889+$35,970FL

Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.

Key takeaways

What the Florida and Oregon numbers say when read together.

  1. Florida ranks higher overall

    Florida leads 6 of the 11 categories to Oregon's 5, with 0 even; Oregon is ahead on environment and outdoor access. Across all 51 measures with data on both sides, Florida is ahead on 30 and Oregon on 14.

  2. Everyday costs are about the same

    The cost of living index is 103.4 in Florida and 103.4 in Oregon, inside the 2-point band this site treats as even. Typical home values are $375,470 and $496,113. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$10,486 a year after typical costs in Florida and -$41,836 in Oregon.

  3. Florida takes a smaller share in taxes

    Florida collects 6.49% of income in state and local taxes (no income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack); Oregon collects 9.06% (high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack).

  4. Oregon pays more

    Median household income is $77,735 in Florida and $85,220 in Oregon, with unemployment at 3.9% and 5.2%. Violent crime runs 275 per 100,000 residents in Florida and 311 in Oregon.

  5. Moves between the two run about even

    2,742 people moved from Florida to Oregon and 2,825 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.

  6. Florida is the better fit for families

    For families, Florida ranks #24 of 50 and Oregon #42; for retirees, Florida ranks #18 and Oregon #20.

Florida vs Oregon: frequently asked questions

Is Florida or Oregon better to live in?

Florida ranks #21 of 50 overall and Oregon #35 as of the latest release. They cost about the same to live in (cost of living index 103.4 vs 103.4); Florida has no income tax and has a 12% lower violent crime rate. Florida scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 5.

Is Florida cheaper than Oregon?

Florida and Oregon cost about the same to live in: cost of living index 103.4 vs 103.4 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$10,486 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in Florida, and -$41,836 in Oregon. The typical home value is $375,470 in Florida and $496,113 in Oregon.

Which has lower taxes, Florida or Oregon?

Florida has the lower tax burden: 6.49% of income in state and local taxes vs 9.06% in Oregon. Florida's top income tax rate is zero, its effective property tax rate 0.82% and its combined sales tax 6.98%; Oregon's are 14.69%, 0.86% and 0%.

Is Florida safer than Oregon?

Florida is safer: 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 311 in Oregon, per the FBI. Florida ranks #23 of 50 for violent crime and Oregon #29. Property crime is 1,402 per 100,000 in Florida and 2,118 in Oregon. Florida shows the FBI's prior-year estimate because the FBI flags its latest year as based on limited data. The safest tracked cities are Pembroke Pines, FL, and Lake Oswego, OR.

Are homes more expensive in Florida or Oregon?

Homes are 32% more expensive in Oregon: the typical home value is $375,470 in Florida and $496,113 in Oregon. Buying the typical home takes about $108,280 of household income in Florida and $130,378 in Oregon, against median incomes of $77,735 and $85,220.

Do people earn more in Florida or Oregon?

Oregon pays more: median household income is $85,220 vs $77,735 in Florida, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 3.9% in Florida and 5.2% in Oregon. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, Florida's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 0 after adjusting for local costs and Oregon's in 13, with 7 even.

Are more people moving from Florida to Oregon or from Oregon to Florida?

2,012 households moved from Florida to Oregon and 2,289 moved from Oregon to Florida in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 277 households for Florida. Movers to Oregon reported an average income of $67,356; movers to Florida reported $82,153. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 2,742 people (±1,537) moving from Florida to Oregon and 2,825 (±1,169) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.

Which is better for retirees, Florida or Oregon?

Florida and Oregon are close for retirees: #18 and #20 of 50 on the retiree index. Florida has no income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack; Oregon has high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$36,999 left after typical costs in Florida and +$24,110 in Oregon.

Which is better for families, Florida or Oregon?

Florida is the better fit for families: #24 of 50 on the families index vs #42 for Oregon. Center-based infant care costs $14,230 a year in Florida and $21,774 in Oregon. High school graduation rates are 87.3% and 81.3%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$10,486 after typical costs in Florida and -$41,836 in Oregon.

Is Oregon better than Florida?

No: Florida ranks higher than Oregon overall, #21 of 50 vs #35, with a composite score of 59.9 to 50.9. Florida leads 6 of 11 categories and Oregon leads 5, including environment and outdoor access. Which is better for you depends on how you weigh cost, safety, schools, taxes and pay.

Compare a different pair

Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside Florida vs Oregon.

Why this pair is featured: major moving corridor (2,289 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).