Is Portland, OR cheaper than Bellevue, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 21.7% cheaper than Bellevue, WA. This translates to saving $1628 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Bellevue, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bellevue, WA, you'd need approximately $130,468.533 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bellevue, WA and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 28.2% cheaper than in Bellevue, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $2,539/month in Bellevue, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bellevue, WA to Portland, OR?

Moving from Bellevue, WA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $1628 per month, or $19531 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bellevue, WA vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Bellevue, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.5K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,628

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Bellevue, WA

Population:152K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.46M

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

(22% below avg)

Median Home:$535K

Bellevue, WA

The Evergreen State

152K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 152K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bellevue, WA vs Portland, OR

Category	Bellevue, WA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,547/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $1,844less	28.2%
Healthcare	$810/mo	$663/mo	↓ $147less	18.1%
Transportation	$1,833/mo	$1,721/mo	↓ $112less	6.1%
Other	$1,907/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $18.32more	1.0%
Groceries	$1,060/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $8.90more	0.8%
All Utilities	$472/mo	$475/mo	↑ $2.95more	0.6%

Housing

↓ 28.2%

Bellevue, WA

$6,547

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,844

less

Healthcare

↓ 18.1%

Bellevue, WA

$810

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$147

less

Transportation

↓ 6.1%

Bellevue, WA

$1,833

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$112

less

Other

↑ 1.0%

Bellevue, WA

$1,907

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$18.32

Groceries

↑ 0.8%

Bellevue, WA

$1,060

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$8.90

All Utilities

↑ 0.6%

Bellevue, WA

$472

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$2.95

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Bellevue, WA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,105

To$1,555

↓ $550

1 Bed

From$2,178

To$1,655

↓ $523

2 Bed

From$2,539

To$1,900

↓ $639

3 Bed

From$3,319

To$2,590

↓ $729

Bellevue, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,050/mo

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,629

Monthly in Bellevue, WA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,072

Difference

Home Values

Bellevue

Portland

$1.46M

Median Value

$535K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +42.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$1.01M - $1.63M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 63% less expensive than Bellevue

Calculate payment - Bellevue Calculate payment - Portland

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $15.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$1,293

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

Bellevue, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

Additional Tax Information

Bellevue, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.