For many people moving to Oregon or relocating within the metro area, the choice often comes down to a classic debate: do you want the vibrant, eclectic energy of living in Portland, or the accessible, retail-friendly convenience of its neighbor, Tigard.
Geographically, the two are incredibly close. Tigard is a direct suburb sitting roughly 10 miles southwest of downtown Portland. However, crossing that boundary line shifts your daily experience significantly. The core trade-off here is usually about priorities: do you want the urban excitement and walkability of living in Portland, or do you prefer the extra elbow room, shopping ease, and potential tax savings of Tigard?
Let’s break down the numbers, the commute, and the vibe to help you decide where to plant your roots.
At a Glance: Portland vs. Tigard
If you are just starting your search, it helps to understand the fundamental character difference between these two markets. Portland sits in Multnomah County, while Tigard is in Washington County. Portland is defined by its density and independence—it feels like a collection of unique neighborhoods. Tigard, by contrast, is defined by space and "strategic convenience."
Here is how they generally stack up:
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The Vibe: Portland is eclectic and historic. You walk to coffee shops and navigate narrow streets. Tigard is commercial and relaxed. You drive to major retail centers like Washington Square and enjoy wider streets with more parking.
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The Commute: Tigard is a transportation hub with easy access to I-5 and Hwy 217, though it suffers from heavy rush hour gridlock. Portland offers robust public transit but driving in the city core can be slow and expensive due to parking.
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The Cost: While sticker prices for homes are surprisingly close, Tigard often offers more square footage for the money. The biggest financial difference often comes down to the tax burden for high earners.
Cost of Living & Tax Implications
When we look at the cost of living in Portland versus Tigard, daily expenses like groceries, utilities, and gas are roughly the same. You are shopping at the same grocery chains and paying the same utility providers. The real financial separation happens in your annual tax filings.
The Tax Divide: Multnomah vs. Washington County
This is the part of the conversation that surprises many transplants. Portland sits in Multnomah County, while Tigard is in Washington County.
If you are a high income earner, this boundary matters. Multnomah County has introduced specific tax measures, such as the "Preschool for All" tax, which levies roughly 1.5% on taxable income over specific thresholds (currently over $125K for singles or $200K for joint filers). Portland residents also pay a flat "Arts Tax" of $35 per adult.
Tigard residents generally avoid these specific municipal and county taxes. While there is a Metro Supportive Housing Services tax that applies to high earners in the wider region (including Washington County), the overall income tax burden is frequently lower for Tigard residents.
Property Taxes
Property tax rates are generally comparable between the two, hovering around the 1.1% range depending on the specific levy code. However, Portland voters have historically approved more bond measures for schools and infrastructure, which can nudge the effective rate higher in certain neighborhoods compared to the more fiscally conservative trends often seen in Washington County.
Housing Market Comparison: Renting and Buying
If you are looking at homes for sale in Portland, you will find a market rich with history. Inventory here includes turn-of-the-century Craftsman bungalows, Old Portland style foursquares, and modern luxury high-rises in the Pearl District.
By comparison, homes for sale in Tigard are generally newer. The inventory is dominated by ranch-style homes from the 70s and 80s, as well as contemporary planned subdivisions.
Price and Value
Interestingly, the median list prices in both cities are often closer than you might expect, typically ranging in the mid-$500,000s to $600,000 depending on the season. However, what you get for that $600,000 varies wildly.
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In Portland: You might get a charming 1,800-square-foot vintage home, possibly with street parking and a smaller city lot.
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In Tigard: That same budget is likely to secure a 2,200-square-foot home with a two-car garage and a larger, fenced backyard.
The Rental Landscape
For renters, the dynamic is similar. Portland has significantly more inventory, ranging from older converted houses to brand-new apartment towers. Rents hover around $1,715 for a standard unit. Tigard’s rental market averages slightly higher or roughly at parity (~$1,720), but the units are almost always larger, usually situated in garden-style complexes with parking included.
Vibe & Lifestyle: Urban Core vs. Commercial Hub
Lifestyle is where the "feel" of the decision comes into play. Portland is famous for its "15-minute neighborhoods." Areas like Hawthorne, Alberta Arts, and the Pearl District are designed so residents can walk to a dive bar, a five-star restaurant, and an an indie theater within blocks of their front door. It is a community that values local, small-business culture.
Tigard offers a different kind of appeal. It is arguably the retail engine of the west side. Home to the massive Washington Square Mall and the upscale Bridgeport Village, living here means you rarely have to travel far for anything you need. It is less about stumbling upon a hidden gem and more about having Target, Costco, and luxury retail within a five-minute drive.
Residents often describe Portland as feeling like a collection of small, dense villages, whereas Tigard feels like a cohesive, well-maintained suburban community.
Commuting and Transportation
How you get around is going to dictate your daily happiness. This is a major differentiator between the two cities.
Public Transit
Portland is the clear winner here. The TriMet MAX light rail and the Streetcar system make it possible to live car-free in many Portland neighborhoods. Tigard is served by the WES Commuter Rail, but it has limitations—it only runs on weekdays during rush hours, connecting Tigard to Wilsonville and Beaverton. Outside of those times, you are reliant on buses.
Driving and Traffic
Tigard is marketed as "freeway close," sitting right at the junction of I-5, Highway 217, and Highway 99W. This makes it a fantastic central hub if you need to zip down to Salem or over to Beaverton.
However, we need to be honest about Highway 217. It is notoriously congested, often becoming a bottleneck during peak hours. A commute from Tigard to downtown Portland is only about 10 miles, which should take 20 minutes. But during rush hour, you should budget anywhere from 35 to 60 minutes.
Education: PPS vs. Tigard-Tualatin
For households where schools are a priority, the structure of the districts is worth noting.
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is the largest district in the state. Because of its size, facility quality varies—some high schools are newly renovated architectural marvels, while others are older. PPS is known for an incredible variety of magnet programs and language immersion options (Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian), but the large bureaucracy can sometimes be challenging to navigate.
Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) serves both Tigard and its neighbor Tualatin. It is smaller and often viewed as more consistent in terms of facilities. TTSD has a strong reputation for its International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and competitive athletics. While it may have fewer niche specialty schools than PPS, many residents choose it for the stability and strong community support surrounding the high schools.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
You are in the Pacific Northwest, so access to nature is excellent regardless of which zip code you choose.
Portland is world-famous for Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country, and the extinct volcano at Mt. Tabor. If you want rugged hiking without leaving the city limits, Portland is unmatched.
Tigard focuses more on community-centric recreation. Cook Park is a local jewel featuring 79 acres of sports fields, picnic shelters, and access to the Tualatin River for kayaking. Tigard is also a key connector for the Fanno Creek Trail, a regional path popular with cyclists and runners. Location-wise, living in Tigard puts you slightly closer to the Willamette Valley wine country, while Portland puts you closer to the Columbia River Gorge.
Crime and Safety Considerations
Safety is often a top concern for anyone moving to Oregon. The statistical reality reflects the density differences between the two cities.
As a major urban center, Portland reports higher rates of both violent and property crime compared to its suburbs. Issues with car theft and vandalism are more prevalent in the denser urban core.
Tigard generally reports lower violent crime rates than Portland. However, it is not immune to property crime. Because Tigard is a retail hub, theft statistics can be skewed by shoplifting incidents around Washington Square and Bridgeport Village. Generally, residents report that Tigard feels quieter at night, lacking the late-night foot traffic and nightlife activity found in Portland.
Final Verdict: Who Suits Which City?
Choosing between Portland and Tigard usually comes down to what you are willing to trade off.
You should choose Portland if:
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You want a walkable lifestyle where a car is optional.
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You value historic architecture and unique, independent businesses over chains.
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You want access to diverse nightlife and cultural events.
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You are okay with higher density and potentially higher local taxes.
You should choose Tigard if:
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You want more house and yard for your money.
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You prefer a predictable, quieter suburban rhythm.
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You want to minimize your income tax exposure (Washington County).
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You want the convenience of major retail and grocery stores just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tigard cheaper than Portland?
While home purchase prices are similar, Tigard is often cheaper overall for high earners due to the lack of Multnomah County-specific income taxes. Additionally, you typically get more square footage and land in Tigard for the same price you would pay in Portland.
How long is the commute from Tigard to Portland?
Without traffic, the drive takes about 20 minutes. However, during morning or evening rush hour, you should expect the drive to take between 35 and 60 minutes, largely due to congestion on I-5 and the Terwilliger curves.
Do I pay Portland taxes if I live in Tigard?
Generally, no. If you live in Tigard, you are in Washington County, so you avoid the Multnomah County "Preschool for All" tax and the City of Portland Arts Tax. However, if you work within the Portland city limits or Multnomah County, you may still be subject to certain employer-based or commuter-related tax situations, so it is always smart to check with a tax professional.
Does Tigard have good public transportation?
Tigard has decent transit, but it is not as robust as Portland’s. It relies primarily on the WES Commuter Rail (which only runs on weekdays during commute hours) and bus lines. It lacks the comprehensive light rail (MAX) and streetcar coverage that makes Portland easy to navigate without a car.
