Is Portland, OR cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 24.4% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $1831 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $128,023.256 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 37.6% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $1831 per month, or $21977 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Seattle, WA

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Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.0K in Portland, OR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 24.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,831

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.0K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$535K

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

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: Seattle, WA vs Portland, OR

Category	Seattle, WA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $2,833less	37.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,721/mo	↓ $178less	9.4%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$663/mo	↓ $161less	19.5%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,925/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $9.99less	0.9%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$475/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.6%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,833

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.4%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$178

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 19.5%

Seattle, WA

$824

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$161

less

📦Other

↓ 2.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$9.99

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.1%

Seattle, WA

$481

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$5.46

less

🏛️ 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$2,180

To$1,555

↓ $625

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,655

↓ $605

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,900

↓ $730

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,590

↓ $850

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$3,237

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Portland

$808K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 34% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

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

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

Seattle, 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.