Quick answer
Seattle is 53% cheaper than Portland overall. A $100K salary in Seattle is equivalent to $153,000 in Portland.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Seattle vs Portland Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Seattle is 53% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-24% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$153,000
Seattle vs Portland: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$1,590/mo
-24%
2BR median rent
$2,750/mo
$1,980/mo
-28%
Median home price
$780K
$498K
-36%
Avg monthly groceries
$430
$400
-7%
Avg monthly utilities
$130
$120
-8%
State income tax
None
Up to 9.9%
Seattle saves
Walk score
74/100
67/100
Seattle better
Transit score
59/100
51/100
Seattle better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Portland to maintain the same standard of living as your current Seattle salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$92,000
$39,000
$80,000
$123,000
$52,000
$100,000
$153,000
$65,000
$120,000
$184,000
$78,000
$150,000
$230,000
$98,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Seattle vs Portland
Who Each City Is Best For
Seattle is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓high earners
- ✓coffee aficionados
Portland is best for
- ✓cyclists
- ✓foodies
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓creatives
FAQs
Is Seattle or Portland cheaper to live in?
Seattle is 53% cheaper than Portland overall. Seattle 1BR rent ($2,100/mo) vs Portland ($1,590/mo). Median home price: Seattle $780K vs Portland $498K.
How much salary do I need in Portland to match $100K in Seattle?
$153,000 in Portland is equivalent to $100,000 in Seattle based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-24% difference) and state taxes (Seattle: None vs Portland: Up to 9.9%).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Portland?
1BR: Seattle $2,100/mo vs Portland $1,590/mo (-24%). 2BR: Seattle $2,750/mo vs Portland $1,980/mo (-28%).
Does Seattle or Portland have lower taxes?
Seattle (WA) has None state income tax. Portland (OR) has Up to 9.9% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$9,900.