Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 32.3% more expensive than Portland, OR. This translates to spending an extra $2423 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $179,076.923 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 60.2% more expensive than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $2423 more per month than Portland, OR, or $29077 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Portland, OR

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.4K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $179.1K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↑ 32.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,423

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$29.1K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:132

Median Home:$808K

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Seattle, WA

Category	Portland, OR	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $2,833more	60.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $178more	10.3%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$824/mo	↑ $161more	24.3%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $9.99more	0.9%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$481/mo	↑ $5.46more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 60.2%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$2,833

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.3%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$178

🏥Healthcare

↑ 24.3%

Portland, OR

$663

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$161

📦Other

↑ 2.6%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$50.22

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$9.99

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.1%

Portland, OR

$475

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$5.46

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Seattle, 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$1,555

To$2,180

↑ $625

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$2,260

↑ $605

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,630

↑ $730

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$3,440

↑ $850

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$3,237

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Seattle

$535K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 51% more expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $15.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$1,293

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

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

Seattle, 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

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.