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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

Seattle is 58% more expensive than Portland.

$1,998/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↓ 20%
$121,984/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↓ 27%
$912,100 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$557,600 ↓ 39%
$2,220/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↓ 20%
741,440
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $402/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $4,824/year.

Median household income is $33,192/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Portland — common questions

Is Seattle or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Portland?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $402/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Portland?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $33,192/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 Portland?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Portland has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,596/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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