Is Seattle or Portland more affordable?
Seattle has a median rent of $1,801/month, while Portland is $1,406/month. Portland is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Seattle, WA vs Portland, OR
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Seattle and Portland.
2
Seattle wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Portland wins
WA
Seattle
vs
OR
Portland
Overview
726,054
Population
647,176
$105,391✓
Median Income
-25.5%$78,476
Cost of Living
$1,801
Median Rent / mo
-21.9%$1,406✓
$767,500
Median Home Price
-39.7%$462,800✓
21%
Rent-to-Income %
21%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
9.90%
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate & Weather
49.82°F
Avg High Temp
50.49°F
46.72°F
Avg Low Temp
46.76°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
N/A
N/A
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Who should choose
Seattle, WA
Seattle is a city in Washington with a population of 726,054.
Read full Seattle guide →Who should choose
Portland, OR
Portland is a city in Oregon with a population of 647,176.
Read full Portland guide →Seattle vs Portland — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Seattle or Portland?
Washington has no state income tax. Oregon has a 9.90% state income tax. Seattle wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Seattle and Portland?
Avg high in Seattle: 49.82°F. Avg high in Portland: 50.49°F
Which city is better for families — Seattle or Portland?
Seattle. Portland. 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.