Here's Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering a move to the Pacific Northwest and wondering whether Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington is the right fit for your lifestyle? You're in the right place. I'm Jamie Meushaw, your go-to real estate expert for both Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR, and I'm here to break down everything you need to know about living in Portland vs. Vancouver.

📍 Location & Lifestyle

Many newcomers don’t realize that Vancouver, WA is just 5 minutes north of Portland International Airport, making it a convenient and popular alternative to living in Portland. While Portland is a larger urban center with a population of about 2.2 million in the metro area, Vancouver and the surrounding Clark County region is home to over 525,000 people and has been booming in recent years.

🏡 Housing Prices & Affordability

• Vancouver, WA median home price (Jan 2025): ~$590,000 (+3.9% YoY)

• Portland, OR median home price (Jan 2025): ~$540,000 (+3.2% YoY)

Affordable options exist in both cities:

• Portland: Homes in neighborhoods like Gilhurst from ~$475K

• Vancouver: Townhomes near Vancouver Mall from ~$410K

For luxury homes, you’ll find properties in Portland’s Southwest Hills ($1.1M+) and Camas, WA (a Vancouver suburb with high-end homes starting around $950K).

🏢 Job Market & Commuting

• Portland hosts major employers like Nike, Intel, OHSU, and Danner.

• Vancouver features large companies like WaferTech and PeaceHealth.

Daily, over 65,000 people commute from Vancouver to Portland, while about 17,000 go the other way.

💵 Taxes & Cost of Living

• No state income tax in Washington

• No sales tax in Oregon

Live in Vancouver and work in Oregon? You'll pay Oregon income tax. Sell a home in Washington? You pay a 1.78% excise tax—not required in Oregon.

🚍 Transportation & Commute Options

• Portland: MAX light rail, buses, walkable urban neighborhoods

• Vancouver: Limited transit, mostly bus and car travel, but lighter local traffic

🌆 Urban vs. Suburban Living

• Portland = Urban, walkable, trendy neighborhoods

• Vancouver = Suburban, spacious, but downtown is growing fast with upscale shopping, dining, and parks

🏫 Schools & Families

School quality can vary by neighborhood, but both Portland and Vancouver offer excellent school districts, especially in suburban areas like Camas and Felida in Vancouver.

If you're torn between moving to Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR, I can help you explore neighborhoods, understand market trends, and find the right home for your lifestyle.

I'm Jamie Meushaw, one of the best Realtors in Vancouver and Portland, and I specialize in relocation, new construction, and lifestyle moves.

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