Cost of Living: Seattle vs Portland (2026)
Compare cost of living: Seattle vs Portland. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Portland is 22% cheaper.
Seattle is approximately 22% more expensive than Portland overall. Moving from Seattle to Portland could save you $6600+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Seattle vs Portland including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Seattle or Portland is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Seattle | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 158 | 130 | +22% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,200/mo | $1,650/mo | +$550 |
| Median Salary | $78,000 | $60,000 | +$18,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $110 | $100 | +$10 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $115 | $105 | +$10 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Seattle, you would need approximately $61,709 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Portland requires $91,154 in Seattle.
| Salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Portland |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,139 |
| $75,000 | $61,709 |
| $100,000 | $82,278 |
| $125,000 | $102,848 |
| $150,000 | $123,418 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,200 in Seattle vs $1,650 in Portland — $550/month or $6,600/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.