Quick answer
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent ($1,495/mo vs $1,600/mo). State income tax: Washington (None) vs Oregon (Up to 9.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $11,880/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Oregon vs Washington
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Oregon vs Washington at a Glance
| Metric | Oregon | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,495 ✓ | $1,600 |
| Avg median home price | $472K ✓ | $570K |
| Cheapest city | Eugene ($1,400) | Spokane ($1,100) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Portland ($1,590) | Seattle ($2,100) |
| State income tax | Up to 9.9% | None ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 57/100 | 62/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 2 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Washington (None).
Salary $80K
$7,920
/year saved in Washington
Salary $120K
$11,880
/year saved in Washington
Salary $200K
$19,800
/year saved in Washington
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Oregon (OR)
Tax reality
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕State income tax at 9.9% (top bracket, kicking in at ~$125K) is among the highest in the US. High earners considering Oregon should compare against Washington's 0% and factor $10,000+/year state tax hit.
- ✕Portland has real livability concerns downtown that haven't fully resolved. Outside central downtown, residential neighborhoods are fine, but the downtown office/retail core is struggling.
- ✕PNW cloud cover runs October-April just like Seattle — 150+ cloudy days per year. Seasonal affective disorder is real for transplants from sunny climates.
Washington (WA)
Tax reality
Washington has no state income tax on W-2 wages. The state collects revenue through a 6.5% state sales tax (local rates push it to 9-10% in most metros) and a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax that affects self-employed workers. A 7% capital gains tax (passed 2021) applies only to gains over $250K on investments — so most people never hit it.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Cloud cover from October through April is serious — many newcomers experience genuine seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you've never lived somewhere with low winter sunlight, test with a 2-week November visit before committing.
- ✕Home prices in Seattle proper have stayed high — $750K-$850K median for a modest SFH in decent neighborhoods. Bellevue and eastside tech suburbs run higher.
- ✕Sales tax 9-10% stings. Every purchase is noticeably more expensive than in no-sales-tax states like Oregon or Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oregon or Washington cheaper to live in?
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,495/mo vs $1,600/mo in Washington, a $105/mo difference. Home prices: Oregon median is $472K vs $570K.
Oregon vs Washington: which has lower state income tax?
Washington has lower state income tax (None) vs Up to 9.9% in Oregon. On an $80K salary that's $7,920/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $19,800/year.
Should I move from Oregon to Washington?
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
What are the best cities in Oregon vs Washington?
Oregon's largest metros include Portland, Eugene. Washington's largest metros include Seattle, Spokane. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Oregon suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.