salaryPortland is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,874
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,915
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$98,056
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$581,500
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,743
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$106
$109
👥 People living there
641,165
754,195
Commute to work
24.1 min
26 min
College degree
53.8%
68.4%
Own their home
52%
43.7%
Below poverty line
12.7%
9.9%
Unemployment
5.8%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Portland for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Portland | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $82,330 | $102,920 | +25% in Seattle |
| HVAC Technician | $65,260 | $80,100 | +23% in Seattle |
| Cashier | $36,560 | $44,210 | +21% in Seattle |
| Operations Manager | $121,050 | $146,030 | +21% in Seattle |
| Market Research Analyst | $85,350 | $102,170 | +20% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $85,170 | $101,090 | +19% in Seattle |
| Police Officer | $97,200 | $115,120 | +18% in Seattle |
| Retail Salesperson | $37,340 | $42,080 | +13% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Portland is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,874 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Portland?
About $63,251 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Portland or Seattle?
The typical household earns $98,056 in Portland and $133,583 in Seattle, 27% more in Seattle.