Oregon vs Washington: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Oregon vs Washington comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. OR has 9.9% income tax + no sales tax; WA has no income tax + 6.5% sales tax — adjacent states with opposite tax structures, popular cross-border shopping.
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 | Oregon | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 9.90% (progressive) | None |
| State sales tax | 0.00% | 6.50% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.87% | 0.94% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.05/hr | $17.13/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | Yes | Yes |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $510,000 | $615,000 |
| Foreclosure type | mixed | mixed |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 100.7 | 110.3 |
| Median household income (2024) | $76,630 | $96,900 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,900/mo | $2,080/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Oregon: estimated state income tax ≈ $5,198, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 0.00% on consumption.
- Washington: estimated state income tax $0 (no state income tax), plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.50% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Oregon ≈ $$3,480/year; Washington ≈ $$3,760/year.
Why this comparison? OR has 9.9% income tax + no sales tax; WA has no income tax + 6.5% sales tax — adjacent states with opposite tax structures, popular cross-border shopping.
Drill into specific calculators
Oregon
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Oregon or Washington?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Oregon has a cost-of-living index of 100.7 and Washington is 110.3 (US average = 100). Median household income: Oregon $76,630, Washington $96,900. Median 2-bedroom rent: Oregon $1,900/mo, Washington $2,080/mo. Oregon is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Oregon or Washington have lower income tax in 2026?
Washington has no state income tax; Oregon has a top rate of 9.90%. Washington is the clearly lower-income-tax state.
What about property taxes in Oregon vs Washington?
Oregon's average effective property tax rate is 0.87% (e.g., $3,480/year on a $400,000 home). Washington's rate is 0.94% ($3,760/year on $400K). Oregon has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Oregon or Washington?
Oregon's 2026 minimum wage is $14.70/hour; Washington's is $16.66/hour. Washington is higher.