Moving from Salem, OR to Long Beach, CA
Relocating 941 mi from Salem to Long Beach is a 17h 41m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
941 mi Β· 17h 41m by car Β· CA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 405, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salem | Long Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.6% above Salem β 103.649 β 113.566 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Long Beach +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salem | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 12.0" |
Expect 10.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 458,491 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $83,969 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.6% higher in Long Beach than Salem.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Long Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
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
- Dry climate: Long Beach sees only 12.0 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 (10.8Β°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 does the job market in Long Beach compare to Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 181,870 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Salem vs Long Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,969 in Long Beach vs $71,900 in Salem β a 16.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Long Beach compared to Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $857,861 in Long Beach vs $436,318 in Salem β a 96.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Long Beach, CA from Salem, OR?
The driving distance is 941 mi and the route typically takes 17h 41m via I 5 and I 405. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Long Beach more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Long Beach is 9.6% higher than Salem (113.566 vs 103.649, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Salem to Long Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 941 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 Salem.
City profiles: Salem, OR Β· Long Beach, CA.