Washington vs Oregon: cost of living
Oregon is the cheaper state of the two, with an overall price level of 106.6 versus 109.8 for Washington (BEA Regional Price Parity, US = 100) — so Washington is about 3.0% more expensive. Washington's median household income is $94,605 versus $80,160 in Oregon, and median rent is $1,824 versus $1,597 a month. To keep a $100,000 standard of living moving from Washington to Oregon you'd need about $97,086.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (RPP), all items. Data as of June 2026.
Washington vs Oregon side by side
| Indicator | Washington | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Price level (BEA RPP, US=100) | 109.8 | 106.6 |
| Price vs US average | +9.8% | +6.6% |
| Median household income (ACS 2023) | $94,605 | $80,160 |
| Median gross rent / month | $1,824 | $1,597 |
| Census region | West | West |
Sources: BEA RPP 2022; Census ACS income and rent 2023.
Salary needed to move
Using the price-level ratio (the salary-needed formula on our methodology page), here is the equivalent pay needed to hold the same standard of living when you move between Washington and Oregon:
| If you earn this here… | …you'd need this there |
|---|---|
| $60,000 in Washington | $58,251 in Oregon |
| $100,000 in Washington | $97,086 in Oregon |
| $60,000 in Oregon | $61,801 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Oregon | $103,002 in Washington |
Verdict
On price level alone, Oregon stretches a paycheck further than Washington by roughly 3.0%. But cost of living is only half the picture: Washington has the higher median household income ($94,605), and neither figure accounts for state income tax, which can swing the real-world gap. Read each state's full page for context — Washington and Oregon — and run your exact salary through the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Washington or Oregon cheaper to live in?
Oregon is the cheaper of the two: its overall price level is 106.6 versus 109.8 for Washington on the BEA Regional Price Parity scale (US = 100), making Washington about 3.0% more expensive. This is an estimate of overall prices; verify with the BEA.
What salary in Oregon matches $100,000 in Washington?
About $97,086. Because Oregon's price level (106.6) is lower than Washington's (109.8), $100,000 of Washington buying power equals roughly $97,086 in Oregon. The reverse: $100,000 in Oregon is worth about $103,002 in Washington. Estimate based on price level only — it ignores taxes and your job market.
Which state has higher incomes, Washington or Oregon?
Washington has the higher median household income: $94,605 versus $80,160 (US Census Bureau ACS 2023).
More comparisons
Last updated: 2026-06-18