Median rent is 14% lower in Vancouver ($1,632/mo vs $1,896/mo). Buying is cheaper in Vancouver, where the median home runs $440,300 versus $483,400. Households earn more in Hillsboro ($103,207 vs $78,156 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (103.6).
City A
Hillsboro, OR
City B
Vancouver, WA
How much would you need to earn in Vancouver, WA to maintain your standard of living from Hillsboro, OR?
Equivalent salary in Vancouver, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Hillsboro
Oregon
Vancouver
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Vancouver at $1,632/mo compared to $1,896/mo in Hillsboro (14% gap). Median home values are within 9% of each other: $483,400 in Hillsboro and $440,300 in Vancouver.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Oregon tops out at 9.90% — giving Vancouver a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 6.50% in Washington; Hillsboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Hillsboro
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Vancouver
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Vancouver (avg AQI 22.0) but not yet for Hillsboro.
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize higher median household income ($103,207/yr).
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,632/mo median).
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Hillsboro cheaper than Vancouver?
Hillsboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 103.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Hillsboro.
How much is rent in Hillsboro vs Vancouver?
Median rent is $1,896/mo in Hillsboro, OR and $1,632/mo in Vancouver, WA. Vancouver, WA has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Hillsboro or Vancouver?
Median household income is $103,207 in Hillsboro, OR and $78,156 in Vancouver, WA. Hillsboro, OR has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Hillsboro or Vancouver?
Washington has no state income tax. Oregon has a top rate of 9.90%.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my Hillsboro income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Hillsboro, OR is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Vancouver, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology