Buying a Home: Washington vs Oregon (2026 Comparison)

# Buying a Home: Washington vs Oregon (2026 Comparison) Considering a move? This detailed comparison of Washington and Oregon real estate markets will help you decide which state offers the best value for your home purchase in 2026. ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Washington | Oregon | |--------|------------|------------| | Median Home Price | $630,000 | $454,200 | | Property Tax Rate | 0.84% | 0.83% | | Annual Property Tax | $4,361 | $3,767 | | Closing Costs | $5,995 | $3,207 | | FHA Limit (Floor) | $524,225 | $524,225 | | Days on Market | 22 | 45 | | 1-Year Price Change | +1.50% | +0.50% | | DPA Programs | 3 | 2 | ## Home Prices **Oregon is more affordable** with a median home price $175,800 lower than Washington. At current rates (6.33%), here's what your monthly payment would look like at median prices: | State | Home Price | Est. Monthly P&I | |-------|------------|------------------| | Washington | $630,000 | $3,129 | | Oregon | $454,200 | $2,256 | *Assumes 20% down payment, 30-year fixed mortgage* ## Property Taxes **Oregon has lower property taxes** at 0.83% vs Washington's 0.84%. - Washington ranks #24 nationally - Oregon ranks #25 nationally ## Closing Costs | State | Average Closing Costs | % of Price | |-------|----------------------|------------| | Washington | $5,995 | 1.01% | | Oregon | $3,207 | 0.67% | ## Down Payment Assistance ### Washington (WSHFC) - **Home Advantage:** Up to 4% of loan amount - **House Key Opportunity:** Up to 4% of loan amount ### Oregon (OHCS) - **Oregon Bond Residential Loan Program:** Up to $15,000 - **Oregon Homeownership Assistance Program:** Varies by program ## Market Conditions ### Washington - Inventory: low - Market Type: Seller's Market - Price Trend: Rising ### Oregon - Inventory: moderate - Market Type: Buyer's Market - Price Trend: Rising ## Total Cost of Homeownership Over 5 years at median home prices: | Cost | Washington | Oregon | |------|------------|------------| | Mortgage (P&I) | $187,769 | $135,373 | | Property Taxes | $21,805 | $18,835 | | **5-Year Total** | **$209,574** | **$154,208** | ## Conclusion **Oregon offers better overall value** when considering home prices, taxes, and closing costs. Use our state-specific calculators to get detailed estimates for your situation: - [Washington Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/washington) - [Oregon Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/oregon) --- *Data sources: Tax Foundation, Zillow, HUD. Last updated: January 2026.*