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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Seattle, WA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

8.8% Seattle, WA is more expensive overall
13.0% 13.0% more expensive housing
4.9% 4.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.0% more
Portland
138
Seattle
156
🛒 Groceries 4.9% more
Portland
103
Seattle
108
🚗 Transportation 9.3% more
Portland
108
Seattle
118
🏥 Healthcare 2.8% more
Portland
107
Seattle
110
⚡ Utilities 3.4% more
Portland
88
Seattle
91

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Seattle, WA Difference
Overall Cost Index1141248.8% more
Housing13815613.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$2,05032.3% more
Median Home Price$485,000$780,00060.8% more
Groceries1031084.9% more
Transportation1081189.3% more
Healthcare1071102.8% more
Utilities88913.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Seattle, WA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.84%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Seattle outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Seattle to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Seattle (124). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Seattle3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Seattle3.8%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Seattle30 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Seattle73
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Seattle40
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Seattle52°F
Population
Portland652,503
Seattle749,256

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland and Seattle → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Seattle →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Seattle cheaper to live in?+
Portland is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 13.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Seattle?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $2,050/month in Seattle — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Seattle?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Portland to Seattle?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $110,000 in Seattle. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Portland vs Seattle?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $780,000 in Seattle — a difference of $295,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Washington averages 0.84%.