Moving from Portland, OR to Miami Gardens, FL
It is 3250 mi and 57h 22m from Portland to Miami Gardens β a cross-country move across 12 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
3250 mi Β· 57h 22m by car Β· OR β WA 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 WA 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 | Vancouver, Hillsboro, Gresham, Nampa, Boise City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.3% above Portland β 105.421 β 114.155 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 8.3% under Portland β $534,638 β $469,434 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Portland | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 68.3" |
Annual average temperature gap of 21.2Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 3.22 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.3% β $88,792 β $60,979 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miami Gardens 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.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- 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
- Pack rain gear on top: Miami Gardens averages 68.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.2Β°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 far is Miami Gardens, FL from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 3250 mi and the route typically takes 57h 22m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Portland vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $88,792 in Portland β a 31.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Miami Gardens more expensive than Portland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 8.3% higher than Portland (114.155 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Miami Gardens?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 3250 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Miami Gardens compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,434 in Miami Gardens vs $534,638 in Portland β a 12.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR Β· Miami Gardens, FL.