Hillsboro costs more than the national average, but less than most major West Coast tech markets. For a physician family comparing Hillsboro to Seattle or the Bay Area, housing is the biggest difference.
The national average cost of living index is 100.
| City | Cost of Living Index | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro, OR | 128.1 | $535,000 |
| Portland, OR | 116.8 | $540,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 144.5 | $786,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | 165.3 | $1,100,000 |
| San Jose, CA | 181.0 | $1,300,000 |
A median-priced home in Hillsboro costs about 32% less than in Seattle and about half as much as in San Francisco.
| Tax | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | None |
| State Income Tax | Progressive, 4.75% to 9.9% |
| Property Tax | Assessed through Washington County |
Oregon has no sales tax, which lowers the cost of large purchases such as cars, furniture, and electronics. The state income tax applies at its top rate to most physician earnings, so you should factor it in when comparing offers from states without an income tax.
Hillsboro's housing ranges from historic bungalows near downtown to newer homes in planned communities with parks, trails, and walkable town centers. Larger lots and rural acreage are available just outside the city, and Portland's West Hills neighborhoods are within commuting distance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Typical Home Value | About $518,000 (Zillow, July 2026) |
| Average Days on Market | About 26 days |
| Common Home Types | Single-family homes in planned neighborhoods, townhomes, rural acreage |
| Typical Single-Family Home | About 1,900 square feet |
| Neighborhood | Character | Approximate Drive to HMC |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Hillsboro | Historic homes, walkable Main Street | 5 minutes |
| Orenco Station | Walkable town center, MAX access, mix of homes and townhomes | 10 minutes |
| South Hillsboro | Newer master-planned community with parks and new schools | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Tanasbourne and AmberGlen | Shopping, dining, and newer housing near tech campuses | 15 minutes |
| North Plains and rural Hillsboro | Larger lots, acreage, and farmland | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Forest Grove | Small college town near wine country | 15 minutes |
| Bethany | Established suburban neighborhoods and parks | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Portland West Hills and Skyline | Hillside homes with views and forest settings | 25 to 40 minutes |
Because this position is hybrid, your commute only matters on onsite days. That gives you more flexibility in where you live, including neighborhoods farther from Hillsboro. Current radiologists live throughout the region, from just outside Hillsboro to Portland.
Hillsboro's violent crime rate is below the national average and close to the Oregon average. Property crime, mainly theft, is higher than the national average, which is common in growing suburban cities with large retail and commercial areas.
Rates are per 1,000 residents.
| Measure | Hillsboro | Oregon | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | About 3.0 | 3.3 | 3.8 |
| Property Crime | About 25 | 25.9 | 19.0 |
Hillsboro Police Department: Citywide patrol and community policing
Hillsboro Fire and Rescue: Fire and emergency medical response from stations across the city
Hillsboro Medical Center: Full-service emergency department with about 26,500 visits per year
