Median rent is 2% lower in Portland ($1,596/mo vs $1,632/mo). Buying is cheaper in Vancouver, where the median home runs $440,300 versus $557,600. Households earn more in Portland ($88,792 vs $78,156 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (103.6).
City A
Portland, OR
City B
Vancouver, WA
How much would you need to earn in Vancouver, WA to maintain your standard of living from Portland, 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
Portland
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,596/mo in Portland and $1,632/mo in Vancouver. Home buyers face a steeper market in Portland: the median home is $557,600 versus $440,300 in Vancouver — 21% more expensive.
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; Portland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Portland
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Vancouver
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Vancouver has cleaner air on average: 22.0 AQI (Good) compared to 26.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Portland if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,792/yr).
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Portland cheaper than Vancouver?
Portland 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 Portland.
How much is rent in Portland vs Vancouver?
Median rent is $1,596/mo in Portland, OR and $1,632/mo in Vancouver, WA. Portland, OR has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Portland or Vancouver?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland, OR and $78,156 in Vancouver, WA. Portland, 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?
Vancouver, WA has better air quality on average: 22.0 AQI versus 26.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Portland 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 Portland income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Portland, 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