Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Fresno, CA
A move from Hillsboro, OR to Fresno, CA covers 753 mi and around 14h 35m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
753 mi Β· 14h 35m by car Β· CA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 99, OR 217 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Modesto, Stockton, Antioch, Elk Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Fresno | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Hillsboro (105.421) and Fresno (102.158) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Fresno: 3.1% below Hillsboro on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Fresno +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 11.0" |
Fresno runs 12.5Β°F warmer on the annual average (52.5Β°F vs 65.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Fresno β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 543,615 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $66,804 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.03 |
Median household income in Fresno is 3.1% below Hillsboro ($103,207 vs $66,804, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fresno MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during 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 Fresno average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Fresno sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
How much do homes cost in Fresno compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $391,328 in Fresno vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 25.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fresno, CA from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 753 mi and the route typically takes 14h 35m via I 5 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro to Fresno?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 753 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Fresno more expensive than Hillsboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fresno is 3.1% lower than Hillsboro (102.158 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fresno compare to Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Fresno MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Fresno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,804 in Fresno vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 35.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Fresno, CA.