Region guide
Moving to the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest trades sunshine for mild temperatures, deep greenery, and strong tech-driven job markets. Seattle and Portland run expensive; inland cities like Spokane are far cheaper. Neither Washington nor Oregon is cheap on housing, but Washington takes no income tax.
No state income tax: Washington — gross salaries stretch further there.
Cities covered
3
States
2
Median rent
$1,760/mo
Median est. cost
$4,083/mo
Standouts in the Pacific Northwest
Cheapest
Spokane, WA
$3,644/mo
Lowest estimated monthly essentials for one person.
Best overall
Portland, OR
Fit 60
Highest default Fit Score across the region.
Safest
Portland, OR
Safety 42
Lowest violent and property crime per capita.
Best for jobs
Seattle, WA
Jobs 44
Strongest labor market (BLS unemployment + growth).
Sunniest
Spokane, WA
175 sunny days
Most sunny days per year.