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Thinking of buying in Portland or Seattle some time in 2026? If so, you’ll want to know how much you can expect to pay in these markets. This article will dig deeper into housing prices in both cities and forecast where things are throughout the rest of the year.
Let’s take an updated look at home prices in Seattle, Washington versus Portland, Oregon as of 2026, and is intended for home buyers considering a move to the Pacific Northwest
Many people who are relocating to the Pacific Northwest put Seattle and Portland on their shortlists. There are many factors contributing to the popularity of these two cities — natural beauty, strong economies, and unique character to name but a few.
But there’s a big difference when it comes to home prices in Seattle vs. Portland. (Of course, there are many other differences as well. But we’ll be focusing on housing costs and market conditions for this article.)
House prices in the Seattle area have risen steadily and sharply over the past few years, except for the last 12 months, when home prices actually dipped, according to Zillow. This is true for much of Washington State and in many other states across the nation.
Right now, home prices in Seattle are 2.1% lower than the same time last year, according to Zillow. So, Seattle continues to be one of the more expensive and sought-after housing markets in the US.
Home prices in Portland differ from Seattle, WA in a couple of important ways. First, and most obvious, is the fact that they’re lower. The median house value for the city of Portland, Oregon was $519,612 as of January 2026. Yet what they share in common is that both markets have cooled somewhat over recent months.
The inventory situation in these two cities remains extremely tight.
Both of these real estate markets remain tight, from an inventory standpoint. A balanced market is one that is characterized by a 5- or 6-month supply in homes available for sale. As you can see by the numbers above, Seattle and Portland both have far lower numbers than that. So home buyers in Seattle and Portland could face some stiff competition this year.
The bottom line: There’s quite a difference between home prices in Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. As of 2026, the median house value for Seattle was much higher than the median for Portland.
Loan limits matter because they determine which mortgage programs a buyer can use and what borrowing terms are available. Staying within loan limits allows borrowers to qualify for conforming or government-backed loans, which often offer lower interest rates, smaller down payment requirements, and more flexible approval standards.
When a loan amount exceeds those limits, buyers typically need a jumbo mortgage, which comes with stricter credit requirements and higher costs. Understanding loan limits helps buyers set realistic price ranges, plan cash needs accurately, and avoid financing complications that could delay or derail a home purchase.
Check out our loan limits pages for more info:
If you are planning to buy a home in Seattle or Portland, you’ll need a home loan to fund this big purchase, and Sammamish Mortgage would love to help. We are a local, family-owned company based in Bellevue, Washington. We offer mortgage programs in Oregon, Colorado, California, and Idaho since 1992. We also offer handy tools on our website, like our online mortgage calculator, and rate quote tools. Please contact us if you have mortgage-related questions or to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.
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