Is Portland or Seattle more affordable?
Portland has a median rent of $1,406/month, while Seattle is $1,801/month. Portland is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Portland, OR vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Portland and Seattle.
2
Portland wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Seattle wins
OR
Portland
vs
WA
Seattle
Overview
647,176
Population
726,054
$78,476
Median Income
+34.3%$105,391✓
Cost of Living
$1,406✓
Median Rent / mo
+28.1%$1,801
$462,800✓
Median Home Price
+65.8%$767,500
21%
Rent-to-Income %
21%
Taxes
9.90%
State Income Tax
None✓
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate & Weather
50.49°F
Avg High Temp
49.82°F
46.76°F
Avg Low Temp
46.72°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
N/A
N/A
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Who should choose
Portland, OR
Portland is a city in Oregon with a population of 647,176.
Read full Portland guide →Who should choose
Seattle, WA
Seattle is a city in Washington with a population of 726,054.
Read full Seattle guide →Portland vs Seattle — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Portland or Seattle?
Oregon has a 9.90% state income tax. Washington has no state income tax. Seattle wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Portland and Seattle?
Avg high in Portland: 50.49°F. Avg high in Seattle: 49.82°F
Which city is better for families — Portland or Seattle?
Portland. Seattle. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.