🇺🇸 Portland vs 🇺🇸 Seattle
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Portland
United States
$2,431–$3,849/mo
$2,431 – $3,849 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Seattle
United States
$2,954–$4,677/mo
$2,954 – $4,677 / month (local)
Seattle is 22% more expensive
Portland wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Portland (USD) | Seattle (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,823–$2,836 | $2,215–$3,446 | 🟢 Portland |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $962–$1,519 | $1,169–$1,846 | 🟢 Portland |
| Utilities | $76–$147 | $92–$178 | 🟢 Portland |
| Groceries | $385–$577 | $468–$702 | 🟢 Portland |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $51–$91 | $62–$111 | 🟢 Portland |
| Public transport (monthly) | $96–$116 | $117–$142 | 🟢 Portland |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$51 | $37–$62 | 🟢 Portland |
| Gym membership | $35–$66 | $43–$80 | 🟢 Portland |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $17–$22 | 🟢 Portland |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,431–$3,849 | $2,954–$4,677 | 🟢 Portland |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.6 / 10 · 3.0 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Safety8.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Education8.3 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Environment9.1 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Economy7.4 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Culture8.0 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Internet8.4 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Portland▲ better
Seattle
Who should choose which city?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seattle
- ✓Food scene
- ✓No sales tax
- ✓Nature
- ✓Creatives
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seattle offers vs Portland
- ✓Tech jobs
- ✓Nature access
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Amazon/Microsoft alumni
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📊
Full Portland guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Portland →📊
Full Seattle guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seattle →