Is Vancouver, WA cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Vancouver, WA is 2.6% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $193 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $147,688.2 in Vancouver, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Vancouver, WA is 12.3% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,516/month in Vancouver, WA compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Vancouver, WA could save you approximately $193 per month, or $2312 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $193/month moving to Vancouver, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.7K in Vancouver, WA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$193

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.3K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$535K

Vancouver, WA

Population:196K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$463K

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

Vancouver, WA

The Evergreen State

196K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 196K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Vancouver, WA

Category	Portland, OR	Vancouver, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,704/mo	$4,125/mo	↓ $579less	12.3%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,876/mo	↓ $49.45less	2.6%
Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $44.21less	2.6%
Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,055/mo	↓ $13.82less	1.3%
Healthcare	$663/mo	$654/mo	↓ $8.57less	1.3%
All Utilities	$475/mo	$469/mo	↓ $6.15less	1.3%

Housing

↓ 12.3%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Vancouver, WA

$4,125

Difference

$579

less

Other

↓ 2.6%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Vancouver, WA

$1,876

Difference

$49.45

less

Transportation

↓ 2.6%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Vancouver, WA

$1,677

Difference

$44.21

less

Groceries

↓ 1.3%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Vancouver, WA

$1,055

Difference

$13.82

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.3%

Portland, OR

$663

Vancouver, WA

$654

Difference

$8.57

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.3%

Portland, OR

$475

Vancouver, WA

$469

Difference

$6.15

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Vancouver, 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$1,238

↓ $317

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,325

↓ $330

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,516

↓ $384

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,070

↓ $520

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Vancouver, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$1,820/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

$9,856

Monthly in Vancouver, WA

$701

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Vancouver

$535K

Median Value

$463K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.4%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.8%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$446K - $578K

Homes in Vancouver are 13% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Vancouver

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

Vancouver, 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%

Vancouver, 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.