Moving from Portland, OR to Vancouver, WA
Moving from Portland, OR to Vancouver, WA is a 13 mi drive, about 23 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
13 mi Β· 23 min by car Β· OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, US 30, WA 500 |
| Major cities en route | Gresham, Hillsboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Vancouver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Vancouver and Portland are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.421 vs 105.421); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Vancouver -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Portland | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 37.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 54.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, VANCOUVER PEARSON AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 192,696 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $78,156 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Vancouver is 0.0% below Portland ($88,792 β $78,156, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Vancouver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Vancouver, WA from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 13 mi and the route typically takes 23 min via I 5 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Vancouver compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $509,318 in Vancouver vs $534,638 in Portland β a 4.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Vancouver compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Vancouver MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Portland vs Vancouver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,156 in Vancouver vs $88,792 in Portland β a 12.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Vancouver?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 13 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR Β· Vancouver, WA.