Separated by the Columbia River, Portland and Vancouver offer similar Pacific Northwest lifestyles, but asking the question, Should I live in Portland or Vancouver – there isn’t a straightforward answer. Choose Portland if you want walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods, no sales tax on purchases, and a bigger arts and food scene — even though you’ll pay Oregon income tax (and, for high earners, local surtaxes). Choose Vancouver, WA if you want no state income tax, usually slightly lower home prices, and a quieter suburban feel — understanding you’ll pay sales tax on most purchases and may face an I-5 commute if your job’s in Portland. For families, compare schools using the ODE/OSPI report cards and run the real numbers on property taxes (levies vary by neighborhood). Bottom line: if your life and work are Oregon-centric, Portland usually wins; if you keep more of your paycheck and don’t mind sales tax — or your office is on the Washington side — Vancouver often comes out ahead.

• Housing: Vancouver home prices are typically a touch lower than Portland’s. Verify current values on
  Zillow: Portland and
  Zillow: Vancouver.
• Taxes: Oregon has no sales tax but does have state income tax. Washington has no state income tax but does have sales tax in Vancouver. See
  Oregon DOR and
  Washington DOR.
• Commute/Transit: Linked by I-5/I-205, TriMet MAX, and C-TRAN. The
  Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) will reshape cross-river travel.
• Property taxes: Statewide effective rates are comparable; your actual bill depends on assessed value and local levies. See
  Tax Foundation.
• Schools: Compare districts using the official dashboards:
  Oregon ODE and
  Washington OSPI.

Considering Your Choices: Should I live in Portland or Vancouver?

Home Prices & Rents: Current Market Snapshot

Vancouver, WA is often slightly cheaper to buy in than Portland, OR. Always confirm with current listings and market reports:
Zillow Portland,
Zillow Vancouver.

Utilities, Groceries, and Everyday Expenses

Day-to-day costs are similar. The biggest swing factor is sales tax vs. no sales tax on retail purchases and big-ticket items.

Taxes Explained: No Sales Tax vs. No Income Tax

Portland/Oregon: No Sales Tax, State Income Tax

• No general sales tax in Oregon (Oregon DOR).
• State income tax applies; brackets change periodically (see Oregon individual income tax).
• High earners in Portland/Multnomah may also owe:
  Metro Supportive Housing Services and
  Preschool for All income-based surtaxes, plus Portland’s
  $35 Arts Tax.

Vancouver/Washington: No Income Tax, Local Sales Tax

• No state personal income tax in Washington (WA DOR).
• Sales tax applies to most retail purchases in Vancouver. Check the current combined rate:
  WA sales tax rates.

Living in WA, Working in OR: How Are Wages Taxed?

If you live in Vancouver but work in Portland, Oregon generally taxes your Oregon-sourced wages via a nonresident return. See
Oregon nonresident filing. Washington does not tax wage income.

Commuting & Transit: What’s the Daily Drive Like Across the I-5?

I-5 vs. I-205: Typical Traffic Patterns

I-5 is the most direct downtown-to-downtown link; I-205 can be a pressure valve depending on origin/destination. Expect peak-hour slowdowns on both.

TriMet, C-TRAN, MAX & BRT: Your Non-Car Options

• TriMet MAX Yellow Line serves Portland’s north corridor.
• C-TRAN provides Vancouver local service, express routes to Portland, and BRT.

I-5 Bridge Replacement: What It Means for You

The IBR program is a seismic replacement with transit/bike/ped upgrades and anticipated tolling. Expect years of construction impacts and improved long-term reliability.

Schools & Education: How Do Districts Compare?

How to Compare Districts (ODE vs. OSPI Report Cards)

• Oregon Department of Education — At-A-Glance Profiles
• Washington OSPI — State Report Card

Private & Charter Options

Availability varies by neighborhood; check district and school sites for current offerings, admissions, and waitlists.

Property Taxes & Homeowner Costs: What Will I Actually Pay?

Effective Rates vs. Your Actual Bill

Average statewide effective rates are broadly similar. Your specific bill depends on assessed value and local levies. Start with:
Tax Foundation: Property Taxes by State.

Levies, Bonds, and Assessments to Watch

Voter-approved measures (schools, safety, infrastructure) can materially affect annual taxes. Review county assessor pages before you buy.

Lifestyle & Vibe: Which City Fits Your Day-to-Day?

Neighborhood Feel & Walkability

Portland offers denser, walkable districts with established commercial corridors. Vancouver leans suburban with a fast-growing waterfront and quick access to Portland amenities.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Access

Both sides have easy access to the Columbia River, Forest Park, the Gorge, and weekend escapes to Mt. Hood and the coast.

Dining, Arts, and Nightlife

Portland has a deeper bench for restaurants, music, and arts; Vancouver offers a growing scene with easier parking and access.

Who Should Choose Portland?

• You want walkability and robust transit (MAX + bus).
• You value no sales tax on big-ticket purchases.
• Your job (and taxes) are already in Oregon; high earners should review local surtaxes.

Who Should Choose Vancouver, WA?

• You prefer no state income tax.
• You want slightly lower typical home prices on average.
• You’re okay paying sales tax and possibly commuting into Oregon.

Bottom Line: How to Decide Between Portland and Vancouver

• Run your math: income vs. spend (income tax vs. sales tax), home price, and property tax for your target neighborhood.
• Model your commute: drive vs. transit; factor IBR construction timelines.
• Check schools: confirm with ODE/OSPI if education is a priority.

FAQs About Living in Portland vs. Vancouver, WA

Is Vancouver cheaper than Portland?

Often on home purchase price and state income tax (WA has none). You’ll pay sales tax in Vancouver, while Portland has no general sales tax. Verify current rates and prices via the links above.

Can I shop tax-free in Portland if I live in Vancouver?

Yes—Oregon has no general sales tax. Special/use taxes can apply to specific items (e.g., vehicles).

If I live in WA and work in OR, do I pay Oregon income tax?

Generally yes, on Oregon-sourced wages via a nonresident return. See Oregon DOR guidance linked above.

Which has better public transit?

Portland has broader rail/bus coverage via TriMet/MAX; Vancouver offers C-TRAN express and BRT, with cross-river upgrades tied to the IBR project.

Are property taxes lower in one place?

Statewide averages are comparable; your actual bill depends on assessed value and local levies. Check county assessors before you buy.

Planning a move to the Pacific Northwest? Request your free digital issue of the Portland Relocation Guide, and research everything you need to know!