Headed to the northwest and trying to figure out what the best city for you is? Most people find out that the main hubs of the northwest, Portland and Seattle, are their top choices. And though these places may be nearby, the cities couldn’t be more different. From crime rates to affordable housing, we have everything you need to know in an easy to read pros and cons list. It’ll be easy for you to decide which city is best for you between Portland vs. Seattle.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Portland Vs. Seattle
When trying to decide which city to live in, you may be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are. Though Portland and Seattle are both beautiful cities, they often get compared to each other. If you’re wondering whether Portland as opposed to Seattle is the better choice for you, don’t fret–we have the perfect guide for you! We lay out all the good and bad things about each city so that you’ll know for yourself which is the best one to live in.
Pros of Portland
Portland’s Affordable Living is a Positive
When it comes to the benefits of Portland vs. Seattle, Portland wins on affordable living. It is much more affordable with home prices at a median of $451,000. This is much less than the median home price in Seattle, which is $758,200.
Fun Things to Do in Portland
Portland is really known as an outdoor lover’s paradise, and for good reason. There is so much to do in Portland, and you can enjoy the nature trails. Between biking, hiking, and amazing views, there is so much to do to connect to nature. Just check out Mt. Hood!
Portland Food Trucks are a Strength
If there’s one thing that Portland is known for, it’s their food trucks! This is one of the best things about Portland. At any given moment, you’ll find the city streets lined with delicious cuisine that you can grab for affordable prices.
Cons of Portland
Lots of Rain
When compared to Seattle, there is more rain in Portland. However, that comes with a clause. While there is more precipitation in Portland vs. Seattle, there are actually less rainy days too. So when it rains, it rains hard! But, it rains less days than Seattle.
Portland’s Traffic is Bad
Though Portland is smaller than Seattle, there is still a significant amount of traffic. Because of the many bridges around the city, it can take thirty minutes to get to the destination that you hope to get to in ten minutes. It’s slow moving, and combined with rain or snow, it gets even worse.
Many Homes Have No A/C
Homes and buildings often don’t invest in A/C because there are only a few weeks out of the year where it gets hot. So for some, this can be a bit overwhelming and hot! If it’s important to you, make sure you purchase a newer home.
Pros of Seattle
Fun Things To Do in Seattle
Everyone knows about Pike’s Fish Market, and it’s a huge attraction in Seattle. With delicious fish that’s sourced right from the ocean, you will always have fun things to do. There’s the Space Needle as well, which is a must see.
High Median Incomes
There are many tech people who are working in Seattle, and the city breeds great jobs. The median income is $93,481, which is fairly high. And though the city is bigger, they have a lower poverty rate than Portland, an advantage for Seattle.
Great Schools in Seattle are an Asset
University of Washington is one of the best schools around, and it’s located in Seattle. There are also many elementary schools and highschools that are rated well too. If you’re looking for a great education, Seattle is the place to be.
Cons of Seattle
Seattle Disadvantage – Not as Friendly
Most people in Seattle stick to themselves, and this isn’t the case in Portland. When it comes to Seattle vs. Portland, you won’t want to be in Seattle if you’re trying to find a welcoming and friendly city.
Expensive Housing in Seattle is an Obstacle
Rent and home prices are extremely high in Seattle, so it’s not affordable for people who aren’t making at least the median income. Plus, the homes aren’t very family-friendly, and if you want something family-friendly, you could be in the $1,000,000+ range.
Seattle Weather is a Drawback
One of the top complaints about Seattle is the weather. There is rain and snow, and even in the summer, you can expect rain. Because of this, many people get Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Cost of Living in Portland Vs. Seattle
Most people wonder about Portland’s as opposed to Seattle’s cost of living when deciding whether or not they should move. When you’re comparing the two cities, it’s clear that Portland is a much more affordable living. According to Numbeo, you’d need $5,084.43 in Portland and $6,000.00 in Seattle to live similarly. More numbers include:
- Rent is 24.85% lower in Portland vs. Seattle
- Grocery prices are 7.37% lower in Portland
- Restaurant prices are 15.93% lower in Portland than Seattle
- Chicken is $0.65 less per pound in Portland
- Beer is $1.00 more per pint in Seattle vs. Portland
More Things to Consider with Portland Vs. Seattle
Population
Seattle’s population is 744,949 in comparison to Portland’s population of 652,573. Though they’re both big cities, Seattle’s disadvantage here is it is much more crowded without the green space that Portland has to break everything up.
Crime in Portland Vs. Seattle
Seattle’s crime rate is 5,829 incidents per 100,000 people. Portland’s crime rate is 5,980 incidents per 100,000 people. So, they are very similar, but Portland’s is slightly higher. However, that depends on the type of crime too. There are much higher rates of robbery and assault in Seattle than in Portland.
City Vs. Outdoor Living
One of the biggest advantages to Portland and Seattle are that there are plenty of things to do. In Seattle, you have Mt. Rainier, and in Portland, you have Mt. Hood. However, Portland is the clear winner when you look at outdoor living. Seattle benefits from being much more of a tech-savvy, city-living type of place. Portland is much more green and filled with families and nature enthusiasts.
Portland Vs. Seattle Demographics
When it comes to Portland, the racial demographics are 70% White Alone, 9.31% Hispanic or Latino, and 8.82% Asian Alone. Seattle’s racial demographics are 63% White Alone, 15.5% Asian Alone, and 7.25% Hispanic or Latino.
Weather in Portland Vs. Seattle
The weather in Portland and Seattle are fairly similar to each other. It gets hotter in Portland than it does in Seattle. Portland’s highs range from 46°F to 80°F and Seattle’s highs range from 46°F to 72°F. It rains nearly half the month in the wet, wintery season. In the summer, it rains about two days on average in Portland and three or four days on average in Seattle.
Portland To Seattle Distance
Asking yourself how far is it from Portland to Seattle? The distance from Portland to Seattle is 174 miles. So, how far is Portland from Seattle? It will take you about two hours and forty minutes. And if you’re wondering how to get from Portland to Seattle, you’ll take the I-405 N, and it’s practically a direct shot!
Which City is Better Portland or Seattle?
When it comes to which city is better to live in, it’s a personal preference. But when it comes to cost of living and crowds, Portland is the winner. If you live city living and prefer that environment, Seattle is better. If you like green space and outdoor activities, Portland is superior.
Both cities are beautiful places to live, and they each come with good and bad things about them. However, from a cost of living and friendliness aspect, Portland is the best choice. If you’ve decided that Portland is your home, we’re ready to help you. As the best Portland moving company, we’ll do all your heavy lifting. Call PDX Movers today for a free quote!
