As someone who's sold homes on both sides of the Columbia River, I get this question all the time: "Hannah, should I live in Portland or Vancouver?" My answer is always the same – it depends on what you're looking for! Having made the move from East Coast to West myself, and then navigating between these sister cities, I've developed a pretty solid understanding of what makes each place special.

Let me walk you through the key differences that might help you decide which side of the river feels like home.

The Tax Situation: Income Tax vs. Sales Tax

This is often the first difference people notice, and it can have a significant impact on your finances:

Oregon: No sales tax (0%), but has state income tax (9.9% at the highest bracket)
Washington: No state income tax, but has sales tax (8.5% in Vancouver combining state and local). Real Estate Excise Tax is assessed on home sales - ranging from 1.5-3.5%, depending on the sale price.

What does this mean for you practically? If you're a high-income earner or receive substantial income from investments, you might benefit financially from Washington residency. If you shop frequently for big-ticket items, Oregon's lack of sales tax could save you thousands.

Pro tip: Many Vancouver residents shop in Portland to avoid sales tax on major purchases, while maintaining their Washington tax residency. Best of both worlds!

Housing Market Differences

Each market has its unique characteristics:

Portland: Generally higher home prices (median around $550,000), more diverse architectural styles, older housing stock with character, and denser neighborhoods
Vancouver: More affordable overall (median around $470,000), newer construction options, larger lot sizes, and more suburban feel in many areas

For your dollar, you'll typically get more square footage and yard space in Vancouver. Yet Portland offers more walkable neighborhoods and distinctive homes with character features. Both markets have been competitive, though Vancouver has seen particularly strong growth as Portland buyers look north for affordability.

Schools and Education

Both areas have excellent educational options:

Portland: Portland Public Schools has some highly-regarded schools, plus numerous charter and private options
Vancouver: Several well-regarded school districts including Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools, with some very high-performing schools

I always encourage my clients with school-aged children to research specific schools rather than making assumptions about entire districts. Each area has standout schools worth considering.

Commuting Considerations

If you work on one side but live on the other, your daily commute will involve one of the bridges crossing the Columbia:

Interstate Bridge (I-5): The main connection, but notorious for bad traffic congestion during rush hours
Glenn Jackson Bridge (I-205): Generally moves better but can also back up during peak times

Washington residents who work in Oregon will pay Oregon income tax on their earnings regardless of where they live. This is something to factor into your financial calculations.

Public transit options include C-TRAN from Vancouver connecting to Portland's TriMet system. Portland definitely offers more robust public transportation overall.

Lifestyle and Community Vibe

Here's where factoring in your personal preference really comes in:

Portland: More urban, eclectic neighborhoods, renowned food scene, arts-focused, progressive politics, extensive bike infrastructure, and that famous "Keep Portland Weird" vibe
Vancouver: More suburban feel, family-oriented communities, growing restaurant scene, more politically moderate overall, excellent outdoor recreation access, and increasingly vibrant downtown

Vancouver has transformed dramatically in recent years, especially with the development of The Waterfront, which brings urban amenities and lifestyle options previously only found in Portland.

Outdoor Recreation

One of the biggest perks of the entire region is access to outdoor activities:

Portland: Forest Park (one of America's largest urban forests), numerous city parks, and closer proximity to the Oregon Coast and wine country
Vancouver: Gorgeous Columbia River waterfront, extensive trail systems, closer to Mount St. Helens, and excellent access to the Columbia River Gorge

Honestly, outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with either location – you're never more than 90 minutes from mountains, rivers, hiking trails, or ocean in either city.

Making Your Decision

After helping several clients weigh these factors, I've noticed some patterns in who tends to prefer each location:

Portland might be your fit if:

You value walkability and urban amenities
You prefer unique, historic homes with character
Your lifestyle includes frequent dining out, arts events, or cycling
You work in Portland and want to minimize commute time

Vancouver might be your fit if:

You prefer more house and land for your money
You want newer construction options
You're seeking a more suburban community
You're looking to minimize your state income tax burden

Remember that both communities offer diverse neighborhoods with their own personalities. I always tell my clients that the best approach is to spend time in various areas on both sides of the river. Grab coffee in a local café, walk around in the evening, drive through during rush hour – get a real feel for daily life.

As someone lucky enough to help people find homes throughout this gorgeous region, I can honestly say there's no wrong choice – just the right choice for YOUR specific needs and preferences.

Have questions about specific neighborhoods or areas? I'm licensed in both states and happy to provide more detailed insights tailored to your situation. Let's chat!

Portland vs. Vancouver: Which Side of the Columbia River is Right for You? An In-depth comparison of living options, tax implications, and lifestyle differences between Oregon and Washington