Uprootmap
Portland vs Washington
Portland and Washington
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Washington are close to the US rate in this release, 6.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Portland to Washington
In 2022-2023, 64 households filed a move from Portland to Washington (about 76 people, average adjusted gross income $67,188). 118 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,867 in Portland and $1,916 in Washington. Portland has a state tax on wages. Washington has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Washington is 124% of the national level for the same work, against 101% in Portland.
Washington averages 203 sunny days, with July highs around 89°F and January nights around 29°F. Portland is 185 sunny days, 83°F in July, 22°F in January. Commutes average 34 minutes in Washington and 25 in Portland.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 64 households moved Portland → Washington (about 76 people, average AGI $67,188). 118 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Portland and Washington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 595 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $2,200–$4,100
- Container or pod
- $1,500–$2,850
- Rent a truck
- $750–$1,350
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Dig into Washington
Questions
Is Washington cheaper than Portland after tax and rent?
No. Washington leaves about $139 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,867 in Portland and $1,916 in Washington.
Does Washington have state income tax?
Washington is in District of Columbia, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Portland to Washington?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.