The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Portland | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 132 | 147 | +15 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $1,900 | $2,100 | +$200 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $2,450 | $2,700 | +$250 |
| Median household income | $66,789 | $78,340 | +$11,551 |
| Population | 652,503 | 753,675 | +101,172 |
What salary you'd need in Seattle
To maintain your Portland purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Seattle.
Portland vs Seattle: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Seattle's cost-of-living index of 147 runs roughly 11.4% higher than Portland's 132. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Portland averages $1,900/month, vs $2,100/month in Seattle — a +$200 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to +$250/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $2,400 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Portland is $66,789, while Seattle runs $78,340 (+$11,551 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Portland is in Oregon and Seattle is in Washington, so you'll also pick up a state-tax difference. Tax-free states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, and Nevada deliver real take-home upside even when nominal salaries are similar.