Cost of Living · Updated June 2026
Washington vs Oregon Cost of Living Comparison
Oregon's cost of living index sits at 110 against Washington's 114 (US average = 100) – so a $80,000 lifestyle in Washington costs about $77,200 in Oregon before taxes. After state taxes the gap shifts further: $80,000 gross nets $65,110 in Washington vs $59,119 in Oregon for a single filer in 2026.
Housing drives most of it: median home prices are $600,000 in Washington vs $500,000 in Oregon, with one-bedroom rents at $1,800 vs $1,500. No wage income tax; 7% capital gains tax above ~$278k (2026, indexed). No sales tax; statewide 0.1% transit payroll tax applies to wages
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Composite 2026 index incl. centre rent (NYC = 100). Salary figures are gross – taxes not included; pair with the salary after tax calculator.
Key insights
Key insights
- COL index: Washington 114 vs Oregon 110 (US = 100).
- $80,000 gross nets $65,110 in Washington vs $59,119 in Oregon (single filer, 2026).
- Median homes: $600,000 vs $500,000.
- State income tax on $80k: $0 vs $5,991/year.
- Renter disposable income favours Washington.
| Metric | Washington | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | None | up to 9.9% |
| Combined sales tax (avg) | 9.4% | 0.0% |
| Effective property tax | 0.84% | 0.86% |
| Cost of living index (US = 100) | 114 | 110 |
| Median home price | $600,000 | $500,000 |
| Typical 1-bed rent | $1,800 | $1,500 |
Taxes: the hidden half of the comparison
Washington levies no state income tax, while Oregon runs progressive brackets up to 9.9%. On $80,000, that's $0 vs $5,991 per year in state income tax.
Income tax isn't the whole story: sales tax averages 9.4% vs 0.0%, and property tax 0.84% vs 0.86% of home value annually. For renters, income and sales taxes dominate; property tax matters once you buy.
Affordability verdict
For a renter earning $80,000: net pay minus 12× rent leaves $43,510 of disposable income per year in Washington vs $41,119 in Oregon. Washington wins the renter math in 2026.
For buyers the answer can flip: mortgage on the median home plus property tax totals roughly $3,876/month in Washington vs $3,238 in Oregon at 2026 rates. Run the rent vs buy calculator for your target metro before deciding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Oregon cheaper than Washington?
Yes – Oregon's COL index of 110 runs 4% below Washington's 114, driven mostly by housing ($500,000 vs $600,000 median homes).
How do taxes compare between Washington and Oregon?
Washington: no income tax, 9.4% sales, 0.84% property. Oregon: up to 9.9%, 0.0% sales, 0.86% property.
What salary do I need in Oregon to match $80,000 in Washington?
About $77,200 pre-tax, using the COL ratio 110/114. After-tax differences add roughly $5,991/year on top.
Which state is better for retirees?
Washington exempts all wage and most retirement income by default. Property tax matters most for owners: 0.84% (Washington) vs 0.86%.
Do these numbers include 2026 tax changes?
Yes – state rates reflect 2026 schedules (including phased flat-tax reductions where legislated) and the federal math uses 2026 IRS brackets and the $16,100 standard deduction.
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