Cost of Living in Hillsboro, Oregon: What to Budget For in 2026
Is Hillsboro Expensive to Live In?
Hillsboro costs more than the national average, mostly because of housing, but it is in line with the rest of the Portland metro and comes with some real advantages: no sales tax, a large share of the region's tech jobs, and household incomes that run well above the state average. For most families, the question is less whether Hillsboro is affordable and more which part of town fits the budget.
Priority Moving Services is based in Hillsboro and has been moving families into and around the city since 2006. Below we break down the main costs of living here, from home prices and rent to taxes, utilities, and getting around, and share a few ways to keep moving costs down. For a feel of each area, see our Hillsboro neighborhoods guide.
Home value and rent from the Zillow Home Value and Observed Rent indexes, 2026; household income from U.S. Census Bureau ACS estimates. Figures change month to month.
Hillsboro Living Costs, Category by Category
Where the money goes for a typical Hillsboro household.
Housing
The biggest line in any Hillsboro budget. Typical home values sit around $520,000, close to Portland's, with newer homes and townhomes in South Hillsboro and Orenco Station and more established neighborhoods closer to downtown. Rent for a typical home or apartment runs around $1,870 a month.
Taxes
Oregon has no sales tax, so groceries, furniture, and cars cost the sticker price. The state income tax is high, with rates reaching 9.9% at the top bracket, and property taxes are set through Washington County.
Utilities
Water comes from the City of Hillsboro, electricity from Portland General Electric in most of the city, and natural gas from NW Natural. Garbage and recycling are handled by a hauler assigned to your address. Costs depend on home size and season.
Getting around
Many residents drive, using US 26 (the Sunset Highway) and Highway 8 to reach Beaverton and Portland. The MAX Blue Line runs from Hillsboro to downtown Portland and beyond, with stations near Orenco Station, Quatama, and downtown Hillsboro.
Healthcare
Hillsboro Medical Center (OHSU Health) and Kaiser Permanente's Westside Medical Center are both in Hillsboro, along with clinics across the city. Costs depend mostly on your insurance plan.
Schools and childcare
Most of the city is served by the Hillsboro School District, with some areas in the Beaverton School District. Public schools are free; childcare is one of the bigger costs for young families, so compare providers early.
Hillsboro Rent Affordability Calculator
A common rule of thumb is to keep housing at or below 30% of gross income. Enter your household income and the rent you are looking at to see how a Hillsboro home fits your budget, and how much you could save on sales tax compared with where you live now.
A planning estimate only. It does not include Oregon income tax, utilities, or other costs. Nothing you enter here is sent or saved.
How Costs Change by Neighborhood
Where you live in Hillsboro changes your budget more than anything else. Newer neighborhoods cost more per square foot, while established areas often give you more home for the money. Each neighborhood below links to our local movers page for that area.
| Neighborhood | Housing | What it means for your budget |
|---|---|---|
| Orenco Station | Walkable town center with townhomes, lofts, and apartments | Pay for location and walkability; small homes, higher price per square foot |
| Tanasbourne | Apartments, condos, and established homes near shopping | Wide range of rents; easy access cuts commute costs |
| AmberGlen | Newer apartments and offices near the Intel and tech campuses | Newer buildings with amenity fees; short commute to tech jobs |
| Reedville | South Hillsboro, including large newer subdivisions | Newer single-family homes with more space; HOA dues in some areas |
| Witch Hazel | Quiet established neighborhoods south of downtown | Often more home for the money than the newest areas |
| Downtown Hillsboro | Older homes, apartments, and the Main Street area | Some of the city's most affordable older housing, near the MAX |
Hillsboro Compared With Nearby Cities
If Hillsboro is on your shortlist, these are the comparisons people make most. For the wider region, see our guide to the best Portland suburbs for families.
Hillsboro vs Portland
Home values are similar, and Hillsboro trades city nightlife and transit density for newer homes, more parking, and a short commute to the west-side tech campuses.
See our Portland movers page.
Hillsboro vs Beaverton
The two are close in cost. Beaverton is more central and has a large parks district; Hillsboro usually offers newer homes and more space.
See our Beaverton movers page.
Hillsboro vs Aloha
Aloha, between the two cities, often has lower home prices and older housing, with the same access to US 26 and the MAX.
See our Aloha movers page.
Hillsboro vs Forest Grove
Forest Grove, about 15 minutes west, tends to cost less for a house with a yard, in exchange for a longer drive to Portland.
See our Forest Grove movers page.
Who Gets the Most Value From Living in Hillsboro
Hillsboro's costs make the most sense for people who use what the city does well.
Tech and engineering workers
A short commute to the Intel campuses and the rest of the Silicon Forest saves time and fuel every day.
Families
Newer neighborhoods, parks, and the Hillsboro School District draw families looking for space.
People leaving high sales tax states
No sales tax makes a noticeable difference on furniture, electronics, and cars after a move.
Commuters into Portland
The MAX Blue Line and US 26 connect Hillsboro to downtown Portland without needing to live in the city.
How to Keep the Cost of Moving to Hillsboro Down
The move itself is a one-time cost, and a few choices make a big difference.
Move on a weekday
Weekdays and mid-month dates are easier to book than weekends and month-end. Our guide to the best time of year to move explains why.
Declutter first
Moving costs follow volume, so sell or donate what you will not use. See how to declutter your home before moving.
Pick the right level of help
Full service, packing only, or labor only for your own rental truck.
Know what a move costs
Our breakdown of how much movers cost in Portland covers hourly rates and what changes the total across the metro.
Bridge the gap with storage
If your lease ends before your new place is ready, our storage in Hillsboro keeps everything close by.
Get a local quote
Our Hillsboro crews know every neighborhood. Request a free quote for an estimate based on your move.
Hillsboro Cost of Living FAQs
What is the cost of living in Hillsboro, Oregon?
Hillsboro costs more than the national average, mainly because of housing. Typical home values are around $520,000 and typical rent is around $1,870 a month in 2026, while Oregon's lack of sales tax lowers the cost of everyday purchases.
Is Hillsboro cheaper than Portland?
Home values in Hillsboro are similar to Portland's. Hillsboro often offers newer homes and more space for the price, while Portland offers more urban neighborhoods and transit options.
How much do you need to earn to live in Hillsboro?
Using the 30% guideline, renting a typical Hillsboro home at about $1,870 a month calls for a household income of roughly $75,000 a year. Use the calculator above to check your own numbers.
Does Hillsboro have a sales tax?
No. Oregon has no state or local sales tax, so purchases in Hillsboro cost the listed price.
What are utility costs like in Hillsboro?
Water comes from the City of Hillsboro, electricity from Portland General Electric in most areas, and natural gas from NW Natural. Monthly costs depend on home size, heating type, and season.
Which Hillsboro neighborhoods are most affordable?
Older neighborhoods near downtown and areas like Witch Hazel often offer more home for the money, while newer areas like Orenco Station and South Hillsboro cost more per square foot.
Is Hillsboro a good place to live?
Many people choose Hillsboro for its tech jobs, newer neighborhoods, parks, schools, and MAX connection to Portland. It suits families and commuters who want space within reach of the city.
How do I get around Hillsboro without a car?
The MAX Blue Line connects Hillsboro to Beaverton and downtown Portland, and TriMet buses serve the city. Most residents still drive for errands.
How much does it cost to move to Hillsboro?
Local moves are charged by the hour and depend on home size, distance, access, and packing. Long-distance moves are quoted based on weight and distance. Request a free quote for an estimate based on your move.
Do you move people into and around Hillsboro?
Yes. Priority Moving Services is based in Hillsboro and has moved local families since 2006, with storage at our Hillsboro warehouse.
Moving to Hillsboro? Get a Free Quote
Our Hillsboro crews have moved local families since 2006. Tell us about your move for an estimate based on your home. Prefer to talk? Call 503-544-7972.