Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Portland is 45% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,596/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 57%
$88,792/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 82%
$557,600 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 116%
$1,771/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 46%
642,715
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $909/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $10,908/year.

Median household income is $72,508/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Portland or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Bellevue?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $909/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Bellevue?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $72,508/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Washington?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Bellevue details →

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