Oregon vs Washington – which is better?

Seattle's tech scene is more established and generally has higher salaries, but the cost of living is significantly steeper, especially for housing. Portland is more affordable and has a growing tech sector, but job opportunities might be more limited and the pay potentially lower. Outdoor access is great in both, but Washington offers more diverse landscapes, from mountains to rainforests. Oregon's political climate is generally considered more progressive, which could be a factor depending on your preferences.

Seattle's music scene is definitely more established and diverse, but Portland has a cool, indie vibe. Hiking is great in both, though the Cascades are more accessible from Seattle, while the Oregon coast is closer to Portland. Seattle is generally more expensive than Portland, especially for housing, and has seen increases in certain types of crime. Portland's cost of living is rising rapidly too, and it also faces challenges with crime and homelessness. Consider visiting both for a week to get a feel for each city's atmosphere.