Portland vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Portland's median home value is $523,100 — 41% lower than Seattle's $879,900.
Median household income is $85,876 in Portland versus $116,068 in Seattle.
Typical rent runs $1,530 in Portland and $1,945 in Seattle.
| Metric | Portland, OR | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 646,101 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $523,100 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $85,876 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $1,530 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
On housing costs, Portland, OR looks more affordable than Seattle, WA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.