Washington
114.6
composite · rank #42
- Housing
- 123.1
- Grocery
- 106.1
- Utilities
- 99.4
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Washington vs Oregon Cost of Living
Oregon has the lower cost of living by 5 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Oregon is lower
5 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Washington is roughly $95,637 in Oregon.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Oregon
109.6
composite · rank #37
- Housing
- 117.4
- Grocery
- 104.5
- Utilities
- 96.3
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Washington | Oregon | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 106.1 | 104.5 | Oregon |
| Housing | 123.1 | 117.4 | Oregon |
| Utilities | 99.4 | 96.3 | Oregon |
| Transportation | 131.2 | 115.4 | Oregon |
| Health care | 110.3 | 115.3 | Washington |
| Misc. goods & services | 111 | 106.1 | Oregon |
Grocery
Washington106.1
Oregon104.5
Lower cost: Oregon
Housing
Washington123.1
Oregon117.4
Lower cost: Oregon
Utilities
Washington99.4
Oregon96.3
Lower cost: Oregon
Transportation
Washington131.2
Oregon115.4
Lower cost: Oregon
Health care
Washington110.3
Oregon115.3
Lower cost: Washington
Misc. goods & services
Washington111
Oregon106.1
Lower cost: Oregon
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Oregon | Needed in Washington |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,818 | $52,281 |
| $75,000 | $71,728 | $78,422 |
| $100,000 | $95,637 | $104,562 |
| $150,000 | $143,455 | $156,843 |
| $250,000 | $239,092 | $261,405 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Oregon$47,818
In Washington$52,281
$75,000 origin salary
In Oregon$71,728
In Washington$78,422
$100,000 origin salary
In Oregon$95,637
In Washington$104,562
$150,000 origin salary
In Oregon$143,455
In Washington$156,843
Housing gap
Washington housing is 123.1; Oregon is 117.4.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Washington is roughly $95,637 in Oregon.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Washington vs Oregon cost of living FAQs
Oregon has the lower cost of living by 5 index points. The composite indexes are 114.6 in Washington and 109.6 in Oregon (US average = 100).
About $95,637 in Oregon would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Washington, based on the composite indexes.
About $104,562 in Washington would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Oregon.
Housing indexes are 123.1 in Washington and 117.4 in Oregon. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Oregon has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.