Oregon vs Washington – Where Should You Move? (Neither…)

If you’re thinking about moving to the Pacific Northwest, you’re probably deciding between Oregon and Washington. And while both states have plenty to offer, I’ll be upfront: we’re full.

Well, not really. But it sure feels like it sometimes. Both Oregon and Washington have seen huge population increases in the past decade, and it’s easy to see why people are drawn here. Mountains, trees, beaches, craft beer, coffee… and some weird but lovable people.

If you just want to be in the Pacific Northwest, either state will probably make you happy. But there are real differences, and those differences might tip the scale one way or the other. Here’s a breakdown based on years of living, visiting, and watching these two states change.

Moving To Washington

Washington is the upper-left corner of the mainland U.S. (if we’re not counting Alaska). It borders Oregon, Idaho, and Canada, and its geography ranges from misty coastline to wide-open desert.

7 Pros of Moving to Washington

1. More Attractions If you’re looking for iconic city experiences, Washington wins. Seattle is packed with big-name attractions, high-end restaurants, museums, and walkable neighborhoods. It feels bigger and more “complete” than Portland.
2. Better Public Schools Washington consistently ranks higher for K-12 education. Graduation rates are better, and many school districts offer strong programs—though, as usual, the best schools are in the most expensive areas.
3. Great Health Care Washington has robust healthcare infrastructure and a wider selection of clinics and hospitals than most parts of Oregon. Social programs and insurance subsidies make it easier to access care.
4. Top-Tier Colleges and Technical Schools From the University of Washington to a solid network of community and trade schools, Washington’s educational system is broad and well-funded.
5. More Job Opportunities Tech dominates here—Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and countless startups make Seattle one of the hottest job markets in the country. But that growth brings side effects (like skyrocketing rents).
6. No Income Tax This is a huge perk. Washington doesn’t tax personal income, which offsets the higher cost of living for many residents. Sales and property taxes are steeper, but some folks prefer this setup.
7. High Minimum Wage Washington’s minimum wage is among the highest in the country, helping many workers stay afloat despite the higher cost of living.

5 Cons of Moving to Washington

1. Expensive Real Estate Median home prices in many Washington cities are out of reach for the average buyer. Seattle’s median is pushing $950k. Even small towns can be shockingly pricey.
2. General Cost of Living Groceries, daycare, gas, and utilities—everything costs more. Some areas offset this with higher wages, but for families or retirees, it can be tough.
3. Weather (West of the Cascades) Western Washington is gray and damp. If you’re moving for sunshine, you’ll want to look east of the mountains. Seattle alone has rain or overcast skies more than 150 days a year.
4. Political Tension & Unrest While most protests are peaceful, Seattle and Olympia have both seen unrest in recent years. On top of that, Washington’s political divide (west vs. east) is real and growing.
5. Homelessness and Addiction Issues Especially in cities like Seattle, homelessness has become an unavoidable issue. Drug addiction, mental health, and a lack of long-term solutions have made the problem worse.

Moving to Oregon

Oregon is a bit wilder, a bit weirder, and a bit more relaxed. It has stunning coastlines, high desert, deep forests, and one of the most distinct state cultures in the U.S.

5 Pros of Moving to Oregon

1. Gorgeous Beaches Southern Oregon beaches are dramatic and underappreciated—hidden coves, tidepools, caves. They’re not ideal for tanning, but perfect for hiking and solitude.
2. Lower Cost of Living (Somewhat) Oregon is still expensive in its own way, but generally cheaper than Washington—especially when it comes to housing outside the Portland metro.
3. Fewer Tourists Oregon doesn’t draw the same national spotlight that Washington does, which means less crowding outside of hotspots like Cannon Beach.
4. Slightly Drier, Slightly Warmer Oregon gets lots of rain too, but certain areas (like Bend or Medford) are significantly drier than anywhere west of the Cascades.
5. No Sales Tax That’s right—buy a $2,000 TV and pay… $2,000. This is a big draw for people who shop local. (And yes, many Washingtonians cross the border for major purchases.)

2 Cons of Moving to Oregon

1. Fewer Major Attractions Oregon is more laid-back. Portland has charm, but not the same firepower as Seattle. For big city attractions, you’ll likely find yourself heading north.
2. Deeper Social Issues (Especially in Portland) Homelessness, addiction, and crime are worse in Portland than almost anywhere else in the region. Some areas feel neglected or unsafe, and improvement has been slow.

What Should You Pick?

If You Love the Outdoors: Either

You’ll find amazing forests, rivers, beaches, mountains, and desert in both states. Just decide whether you want more green or more gold in your scenery.

If You Love City Life: Washington

Seattle is busier, better funded, and simply offers more—though it’s also more intense and expensive.

If You’re Career-Oriented: Washington

The job market is hotter and more diverse. Especially in tech, aerospace, and healthcare.

If You Love Sandy Beaches: Oregon

While Washington has some stunners, Oregon’s beaches are more accessible, more dramatic, and often less crowded.

If You’re Retiring: Depends on Your Budget

Washington offers better services but higher prices. Oregon is quieter and cheaper in many rural areas.

If You Hate Rain: Neither… But Maybe Try East of the Cascades

Central and Eastern Oregon and Washington are much drier. Spokane and Bend offer a completely different feel from the coastal half of each state.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with either state… unless you show up unprepared for rain, sticker shock, or strong opinions.

If you’re still on the fence, take a trip and visit both. Spend time in the city and the country, and ask locals what they love and hate about their home.

The PNW is unlike anywhere else—and both Oregon and Washington represent it well in their own way.