🏡 1. Home Prices & Housing Costs
Portland’s housing is roughly 25 % more expensive than in Vancouver, WA clarkcounty4sale.net+9BestPlaces+9YouTube+9.
Before the pandemic, neighborhoods like Hazel Dell (in Clark County) had median prices around $300K, while Portland hovered near $450K Axios+1Axios+1.
You'll typically get more space and newer builds just north of the river for significantly less.
💵 2. Property Taxes
Clark County (Vancouver) effective property tax rate: about 0.86 %, median annual payment ~$3.9 K on a $453 K home SmartAsset.
Portland area (Multnomah County) averages around 0.86 % per state, but some sources cite up to 1.20 % for city residents and sub‑0.9 % statewide .
On a $500 K home, that can be an annual difference of $1,000–$1,500 in your pocket.
📊 3. State Income & Other Taxes
Washington (Vancouver) has no personal income tax—a major draw kiplinger.com+1Wikipedia+1.
Oregon (Portland) has one of the highest income tax rates in the U.S., plus a $35 “Arts Tax” for most residents Wikipedia.
Sales tax: WA charges 6.5 % + local (typically 7.5–10 %), while OR has zero sales tax Greater Portland Inc+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3. Note: shopping in Oregon then bringing goods to WA may incur use tax, though it’s seldom enforced .
🧾 4. Cost of Living Beyond Housing
Overall living costs in Portland run 12–15 % higher—including rent, groceries, utilities .
Childcare & schooling in Vancouver tends to be ~20–30 % cheaper—e.g., daycare $800–$1,200 vs. $1,200–$1,600/month .
Entertainment, gym, movies also skew less expensive north of the river Wikipedia.
🚧 5. Commute & Lifestyle Considerations
Many Vancouver residents commute over the Columbia River. Peak travel across bridges can be heavily congested, especially if there's a closure Wikipedia.
Portland offers more urban amenities, transit options, cultural events—but also faces rising crime in some downtown pockets and slower condo markets Wall Street Journal.
✅ Summary: Who Should Pick What?
| Buyer Type | Vancouver, WA | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Value-focused | ✅ Lower the sticker price, no income tax, cheaper childcare | ❌ |
| Urban lovers | ⚠️ Fewer city amenities, commute hassles | ✅ More options, vibrant core |
| Commuter professional | ⚠️ Plan for bridge traffic | ✅ Live & work in same metro area |
| Tax-conscious | ✅ No income tax offsets modest sales tax | ⚠️ High income tax + arts tax |
Final Thoughts
If your priority is maximizing value, paying less in income/property/childcare costs—and you don’t mind a commute—Vancouver is solid.
If you crave city culture, shorter commutes within the metro, and are okay with higher taxes, opt for Portland.
Budget for about $300–400K for homes in Vancouver vs $400–600K+ in Portland. Add in $4K+ annual taxes in both, but remember only Oregon taxes your paycheck.
Have any specific questions or want neighborhood suggestions? I’ve got you!
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