Seattle vs Portland
Pacific Northwest peer markets
MapsToIt comparison snapshot
Seattle or Portland — which fits a move?
Seattle, WA vs Portland, OR is a common relocator matchup (pacific northwest peer markets). Portland posts the lower MapsToIt housing cost index (151 vs 224; 100 = U.S. avg), with median homes near $557,600 versus $912,100. Seattle shows the higher median household income ($121,984), while Portland edges the shorter average commute (27 vs 30 minutes).
Side-by-side metrics
Figures use the same ACS housing index, BLS unemployment, FBI rates, and NOAA normals as each city profile — shown against U.S. / catalog baselines.
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Portland, OR | U.S. / catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 642,715 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $88,792 | $78,538 55% above national average · relatively higher |
| Median home value | $912,100 | $557,600 | $303,400 201% above national average |
| Median rent | $1,998 | $1,596 | $1,348 48% above national average |
| Housing cost index | 224 | 151 | 100 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 4.7% | 4.8% | 4.2% County LAUS rate, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 30 min | 27 min | 25 min 20% above national average |
| Violent crime rate | 585.4 / 100k | 544.6 / 100k | 602.7 / 100k Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 4495.6 / 100k | 5203.3 / 100k | 3084.9 / 100k Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 211 days | 208 days | 266 days 21% below national average |
| Summer high | 75°F | 80°F | 87°F NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 37°F | 36°F | 34°F NOAA normals · nearest station |
When should you pick Seattle?
Choose Seattle when you prioritize its specific mix: housing index 224, median rent $1,998, unemployment 4.7%, and 75°F summer highs — with research often starting in Capitol Hill and Ballard.
When should you pick Portland?
Choose Portland when that profile fits better: housing index 151, median rent $1,596, unemployment 4.8%, and 80°F summer highs.
Short verdict
Short verdict: pick Portland if housing cost is the binding constraint; pick Seattle if you are optimizing for higher local incomes and can absorb the 73-point housing-index gap. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.