Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Vancouver, WA
Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Vancouver, WA is a 28 mi drive, about 45 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
28 mi Β· 45 min by car Β· WA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 26, I 5, WA 500 |
| Major cities en route | Portland, Gresham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Vancouver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Vancouver and Hillsboro are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.421 vs 105.421); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Vancouver -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 37.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.5Β°F vs 54.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, VANCOUVER PEARSON AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 192,696 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $78,156 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Vancouver is 0.0% below Hillsboro ($103,207 vs $78,156, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Vancouver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro to Vancouver?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 28 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Vancouver compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $509,318 in Vancouver vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 2.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Vancouver compare to Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Vancouver MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Vancouver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,156 in Vancouver vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 24.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Vancouver, WA from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 28 mi and the route typically takes 45 min via US 26 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Vancouver, WA.