Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Seattle is 77% more expensive than Eugene.

$1,998/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 33%
$121,984/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 48%
$912,100 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$435,400 ↓ 52%
$2,220/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 36%
741,440
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $58,148/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Eugene — common questions

Is Seattle or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Eugene?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Eugene?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $58,148/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Oregon?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Eugene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Eugene

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Eugene vs. Ontario Eugene vs. Elk Grove Eugene vs. Aurora Eugene vs. Santa Rosa Eugene vs. Chattanooga Eugene vs. Cary