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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Portland is 10% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,596/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ≈ Same
$88,792/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 6%
$557,600 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 18%
$1,771/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 1%
642,715
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,935/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Portland or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Tacoma?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Tacoma?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $4,935/year higher in Portland.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Tacoma details →

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