Moving from Salem, OR to Richmond, CA
Relocating 573 mi from Salem to Richmond is a 10h 59m 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.
573 mi Β· 10h 59m by car Β· OR β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 99E, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Eugene, Sacramento, Fairfield, Antioch, Vallejo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salem | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $436,318 to $606,427 moving to Richmond.
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Richmond -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salem | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 71Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 24.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Salem (54.1Β°F) and Richmond (58.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Richmond gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, RICHMOND, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 115,396 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.85 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.5% β $71,900 β $90,038 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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
When is the best time to move from Salem to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 573 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 Richmond compared to Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $606,427 in Richmond vs $436,318 in Salem β a 39.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richmond more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 11.5% higher than Salem (115.613 vs 103.649, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Richmond, CA from Salem, OR?
The driving distance is 573 mi and the route typically takes 10h 59m via I 5 and OR 99E. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Salem vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Richmond vs $71,900 in Salem β a 25.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Richmond MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 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· Richmond, CA.