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