California vs Oregon: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side California vs Oregon comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. West Coast pair — CA's 14.4% top + 7.25% sales tax against OR's 9.9% top + NO sales tax. Different revenue strategies on the same coast.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | California | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 13.30% (progressive) | 9.90% (progressive) |
| State sales tax | 7.25% | 0.00% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.71% | 0.87% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $16.90/hr | $15.05/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | Yes (1.2%) | No |
| Paid Family Leave | Yes | Yes |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $770,000 | $510,000 |
| Foreclosure type | non-judicial | mixed |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 113.7 | 100.7 |
| Median household income (2024) | $96,340 | $76,630 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $2,540/mo | $1,900/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- California: estimated state income tax ≈ $6,983, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 7.25% on consumption.
- Oregon: estimated state income tax ≈ $5,198, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 0.00% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: California ≈ $$2,840/year; Oregon ≈ $$3,480/year.
Combined annual state burden (income + property on $400K + 6% of $50K consumption sales tax) — California: ~$13,448; Oregon: ~$8,678.
Why this comparison? West Coast pair — CA's 14.4% top + 7.25% sales tax against OR's 9.9% top + NO sales tax. Different revenue strategies on the same coast.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: California or Oregon?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), California has a cost-of-living index of 113.7 and Oregon is 100.7 (US average = 100). Median household income: California $96,340, Oregon $76,630. Median 2-bedroom rent: California $2,540/mo, Oregon $1,900/mo. Oregon is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does California or Oregon have lower income tax in 2026?
Oregon has a top income-tax rate of 9.90%; California has 13.30%. Oregon is lower at the top bracket.
What about property taxes in California vs Oregon?
California's average effective property tax rate is 0.71% (e.g., $2,840/year on a $400,000 home). Oregon's rate is 0.87% ($3,480/year on $400K). California has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: California or Oregon?
California's 2026 minimum wage is $16.50/hour; Oregon's is $14.70/hour. California is higher.