Oregon vs Washington — Cost of Living, Taxes & Income Reality
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFQuick comparison
| Metric | Oregon | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 113 ✓ | 119 |
| Median Household Income | $85,220 | $99,389 ✓ |
| Median Rent | $2,000/mo ✓ | $2,300/mo |
| State Income Tax | 9.90% | No tax ✓ |
Tax reality
On a $70,000 salary, you keep about $6,930 more per year in Washington. That works out to roughly $578/month in additional take-home.
Housing reality
Oregon
1BR $1,677 – $1,677/mo
Washington
1BR $2,146 – $2,146/mo
Major cities compared
Oregon
Washington
Purchasing power
Your $70,000 in Portland feels like approximately $78,801 in Seattle, once housing and taxes are accounted for.
Who benefits from each
- Remote workers and high earners who want to keep more of their paycheck lean toward Washington for its lower tax burden.
- Anyone prioritizing a lower overall cost of living will find Oregon stretches a paycheck further.
- Workers chasing higher nominal salaries may prefer Washington, where median household income is higher.
Oregon vs Washington — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Oregon or Washington?
By cost of living index, Oregon is the cheaper of the two (Oregon: 113, Washington: 119; national average = 100). Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Which state has lower income taxes, Oregon or Washington?
Washington leaves more in your pocket. On a $70,000 salary, you keep about $6,930 more per year in Washington. Source: Tax Foundation 2025, IRS 2025.
What is the median income difference between Oregon and Washington?
Washington has the higher median household income (Oregon: $85,220, Washington: $99,389). Source: Census ACS 2024.
Should I move from Oregon to Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Oregon offers a lower cost of living, while Washington has higher median incomes. Weigh taxes, housing, and career options together. This is a picture, not a verdict.