Olympia, WA vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison
Olympia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Olympia | Portland | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 118 | 134 | Olympia |
| Housing | 132 ($1,056) | 160 ($1,117) | Olympia |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Portland |
| Food & groceries | 103 ($422) | 119 ($488) | Olympia |
| Utilities | 116 ($238) | 130 ($288) | Olympia |
| Healthcare | 116 ($172) | 130 ($208) | Olympia |
| Median annual wage | 130 ($62,990) | 118 ($57,000) | Portland |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olympia, WA or Portland, OR cheaper to live in?
Olympia, WA is cheaper overall by about 16 index points (Olympia, WA: 118, Portland, OR: 134; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Olympia, WA vs Portland, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $41,300/year in Olympia, WA and $46,900/year in Portland, OR to cover basic living costs.