Uprootmap
Washington vs Portland
Washington and Portland
Photo: Bd2media / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Portland are under the US rate in this release, 1.1 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Washington to Portland
In 2022-2023, 118 households filed a move from Washington to Portland (about 183 people, average adjusted gross income $128,983). 64 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,867 in Portland. Washington has a state tax on wages. Portland has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Portland is 101% of the national level for the same work, against 124% in Washington.
Portland averages 185 sunny days, with July highs around 83°F and January nights around 22°F. Washington is 203 sunny days, 89°F in July, 29°F in January. Commutes average 25 minutes in Portland and 34 in Washington.
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, 118 households moved Washington → Portland (about 183 people, average AGI $128,983). 64 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 Washington and Portland 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 Portland
Questions
Is Portland cheaper than Washington after tax and rent?
Yes. Portland leaves about $139 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,867 in Portland.
Does Portland have state income tax?
Portland is in Maine, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Washington to Portland?
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.