Vancouver, WA vs. Tualatin, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you considering a move to the Pacific Northwest in 2025 and weighing your options between Vancouver, WA and Tualatin, OR? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key expenses to help you determine which city best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Let’s imagine a typical scenario: Sarah is a single professional debating a job offer in Vancouver versus one in Tualatin. She’s crunching the numbers to see how far her salary will stretch in each city.
In Vancouver, Sarah finds a modern 1-bedroom apartment for $1,650 per month. Her utilities average $120 and her grocery bill comes to around $350. That puts her basic monthly expenses at $2,120.
Looking at Tualatin, a comparable 1-bedroom runs $1,800. Utilities are a bit higher at $140 per month, and groceries cost around $380. Sarah’s core monthly costs in Tualatin total $2,320.
Of course, there’s more to a cost of living comparison than just rent and food. Let’s take a closer look at how Vancouver and Tualatin stack up across major expense categories. Note that all figures are based on pre-tax monthly income.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in any budget. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Vancouver and Tualatin:
| Housing Type | Vancouver | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,900 | $2,100 |
| 3BR House | $2,400 | $2,700 |
🏆 Winner: Vancouver. Rent and home prices trend 5-10% lower in Vancouver compared to Tualatin.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities. Vancouver residents can expect to pay around $120-150 per month for electricity, water, and gas. In Tualatin, that range is closer to $140-170 monthly. Both cities see higher heating bills in the winter months.
🏆 Winner: Vancouver edges out Tualatin with slightly lower utility costs across the board.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items like toiletries and household goods tend to cost about 5% more in Tualatin than Vancouver. A gallon of milk averages $3.60 in Vancouver versus $3.80 in Tualatin, for example.
Restaurant prices are nearly identical. A basic meal out runs about $15 in either city, while a nicer 3-course dinner for two averages $70-80.
🏆 Winner: Vancouver takes the lead again, if only by a small margin. Expect to spend $30-50 less per month on groceries and incidentals.
Taxes and Fees
Vancouver has a lower property tax rate of 1.025% compared to Tualatin’s 1.365%. For a $400,000 home, that’s a difference of $1,360 per year.
Both cities charge similar fees for utilities and city services. Tualatin’s vehicle registration fee is slightly higher. Typical HOA dues range from $200-400 per month in both Vancouver and Tualatin.
🏆 Winner: Vancouver takes the category again thanks to its lower property taxes.
Cost Summary
| Category | Vancouver | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (1BR Rent) | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $120 | $140 |
| Groceries | $350 | $380 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes (1.025% vs 1.365%) | $342 | $455 |
| Miscellaneous | $300 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,822 | $3,135 |
Lifestyle Fit
Vancouver offers a bit more bang for your buck in terms of space and amenities. Apartments tend to be larger and most complexes have on-site fitness centers and pools. Traffic and noise levels are lower than Tualatin.
On the flip side, Tualatin boasts better walkability and public transit. It’s easier to get by without a car. Commute times into Portland average 10 minutes longer from Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver more affordable than Tualatin?
Yes, Vancouver has a lower overall cost of living than Tualatin. Housing and food costs in particular are 5-10% cheaper in Vancouver.
Which city has lower rent?
Rental rates are lower across the board in Vancouver. A typical 1-bedroom apartment goes for $1,650 in Vancouver compared to $1,800 in Tualatin.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Vancouver has lower home prices as well as a lower property tax rate of 1.025% versus Tualatin’s 1.365%. Buying a home is more affordable in Vancouver.
The Bottom Line
While Vancouver comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, both cities offer a high quality of life. Tualatin is a great fit for those who prioritize walkability and easy access to Portland. Vancouver appeals to buyers and renters looking for more space for their dollar.
Of course, your individual lifestyle and spending habits are the biggest factors in how far your income will go. Our Vancouver monthly budget guide can help you map out your expenses in more detail.
Making a big move? Compare quotes from top moving companies to get the best rates and find a reputable mover. The full 2025 cost of living breakdown for Vancouver can also help you plan for all the expenses that come with relocating to a new city.