Oregon vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$66,489
in Oregon
$66,430
in Washington
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Oregon | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.4 | 118.3 | +8% |
| Groceries | 106.8 | 108.0 | -1% |
| Utilities | 95.6 | 98.8 | -3% |
| Transportation | 119.1 | 124.0 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 117.9 | 110.2 | +7% |
| Dining & Misc | 104.4 | 111.2 | -6% |
| Overall | 112.8 | 112.9 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Oregon.
What things actually cost
| Item | Oregon | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $490,000 | $580,000 | $90,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,784/mo | $1,656/mo | +$128 |
| Gas price | $4.26/gal | $4.69/gal | $0.43 |
| Electric bill | $98/mo | $90/mo | +$9 |
| Infant childcare | $19,064/yr | $20,677/yr | $1,613 |
Salary equivalent: Oregon → Washington
What a Oregon salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Oregon | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,044 | $-44 |
| $75,000 | $75,066 | $-66 |
| $100,000 | $100,089 | $-89 |
| $150,000 | $150,133 | $-133 |
| $200,000 | $200,177 | $-177 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Oregon and Washington have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 112.8 and 112.9 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Oregon or Washington?
Oregon and Washington have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Oregon cheaper than Washington?
Oregon and Washington cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Washington more expensive than Oregon?
Oregon and Washington have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Oregon?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Oregon, you would need approximately $100,089 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (112.8 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Oregon and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Oregon. Median home prices are $490,000 in Oregon vs $580,000 in Washington — a $90,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,784/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Oregon vs Washington?
Housing is 8% higher in Oregon (index 127.4 vs 118.3). Healthcare is 7% higher in Oregon (index 117.9 vs 110.2). Dining & Misc is 6% lower in Oregon (index 104.4 vs 111.2).
Is gas cheaper in Oregon or Washington?
Gas averages $4.26/gallon in Oregon and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $0.43 difference per gallon.
Oregon vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Oregon has an overall cost-of-living index of 112.8 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Oregon vs Washington paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Oregon Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Oregon vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Oregon — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.