Why Are People Leaving Vancouver, WA? 3 Real Reasons (2026)

by Cassandra Marks

Why Are People Leaving Vancouver, WA? 3 Real Reasons (2026)

Housing costs, family ties, and the search for a slower pace — the real reasons behind the moving trucks, and why plenty of people are still moving in.

🏠 $613K Avg Home Price 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Ties 🏔️ Slower Pace Elsewhere

By Cassandra Marks (Realtor Cas) · Published December 22, 2024 · 6 min read

Why Are People Leaving Vancouver, WA?

Three main reasons: housing costs (average home price hit $613,000 at the end of 2024, up from $413,000 in 2019, while average household income sits around $90,000, well below the $150,000 needed to comfortably afford a home here), family ties (people moving closer to or farther from family, especially post-pandemic), and a search for a slower-paced but similar lifestyle in places like Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, or Montana, plus retirees cashing out Vancouver home equity for more affordable states. That said, Vancouver is still seeing net population growth, plenty of people are moving in too.

Cassandra Marks - REALTOR®, Realtor Cas, Vancouver WA & Clark County | View full bio & credentials →

Vancouver, Washington, home to breathtaking views, endless outdoor activities, and a growing community of people who love the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. So, why on earth would anyone want to leave?

Well, as much as I love this corner of the world, people are moving out. And if you're thinking about relocating here, it's smart to look at the pros and cons of living in Vancouver, WA. Before making your decision, it helps to understand the cost of living in Vancouver WA, including housing, taxes, and everyday expenses.

So, let's spill the tea. Here are the top three reasons people are packing up and waving goodbye to Vancouver, Washington.

1️⃣ Housing Costs

Housing Costs, Yikes!

Surprise, surprise, the biggest reason people leave Vancouver is the cost of housing. It turns out that living in an area with mountains, rivers, and gorgeous hiking trails just minutes away comes at a price.

Let's break it down. At the end of 2024, the average home price in Vancouver hit $613,000. That's a big jump from the $413,000 average back in 2019. That means in just five years, home prices shot up by $200,000.

And what does that mean for buyers? You'll need a household income of about $150,000 to comfortably afford a home here. Meanwhile, the actual average household income in Vancouver sits at $90,000.

You don't have to be a math whiz to see the problem here. People want to live here, but many realize they simply can't afford it. So, what happens? They look elsewhere, somewhere where their dollar stretches further.

That usually means heading to the Midwest, the South, or even eastern Washington or Idaho, where home prices are lower and their money goes a lot further.

But hey, if you're someone who loves Vancouver and can make the numbers work, you'll still get a fantastic lifestyle in return.

2️⃣ Family Ties

Family Ties, Closer or Farther?

The second biggest reason people leave Vancouver isn't about Vancouver at all, it's about family.

We all had that moment during the pandemic where we realized just how important (or not important) it was to live close to our families. Some people packed up and moved closer to their loved ones, while others took the opportunity to put some serious distance between themselves and their in-laws.

Either way, it's one of the biggest reasons people leave.

Life happens, we get older, we start families, and suddenly, we want our parents nearby to help with the grandkids (or we need to be closer to them to help with them). Others find themselves relocating for work and then convincing their parents to follow.

For many, this means moving back to their hometowns in the Midwest, down to sunny Arizona, or even to the East Coast. It's not that they don't love Vancouver, it's just that family wins out.

And that's totally fair! But if you're moving to Vancouver because of family, then congratulations, you've already got your reason to stay!

3️⃣ Slower Pace

The Search for a Slower-Paced but Similar Life

Now, this one's interesting. Some people leave Vancouver because they're looking for something like Vancouver, just a little less busy.

Over the past few years, Vancouver has grown, a lot. We've seen people relocating here from California, Texas, and Arizona, which has made our once quiet little city feel, well, a little less quiet. Some longtime locals are looking for the old-school Vancouver vibe they fell in love with years ago, and they're realizing they might need to look elsewhere for it.

So where are they going?

A lot of them are heading to:

✅ Spokane, WA – A bit smaller, more affordable, and still plenty of outdoor adventure.
✅ Coeur d'Alene, ID – Lakes, mountains, and that charming small-town feel.
✅ Montana – More space, fewer people, and the same rugged beauty of the PNW.

These places offer the same outdoor lifestyle, hiking, biking, skiing, camping, just with fewer crowds and lower costs.

Another big reason for this move? Retirement.

Washington is one of the most expensive states to retire in, and while Vancouver is cheaper than Seattle, it's still 4% more expensive than the national average. That means many retirees are selling their Vancouver homes, taking their hard-earned home equity, and heading somewhere more affordable, like Arizona, Nevada, or Idaho.

For example, you could sell a $700,000 home in Vancouver and buy a similar one in Phoenix for $325,000. That extra cash can go toward travel, medical expenses, or just enjoying retirement without worrying about housing costs.

🤔 Should You Leave?

Should You Leave Vancouver?

Now, I know this all might sound like Vancouver is doomed, but that's far from the truth.

Yes, some people are leaving, but plenty of people are moving here, too. Why?

Because Vancouver still offers an amazing quality of life:

🌲 Access to the outdoors – You've got the Columbia River, the Cascade Mountains, and some of the best hiking in the country.
🌆 Big city perks without the big city – You're minutes from Portland, but without the Oregon income tax.
🏡 A strong community – Even with growth, Vancouver still has that friendly, small-town feel.

So, if the reasons above don't scare you off, you're in luck! Vancouver might just be the perfect place for you.

And if it turns out Vancouver isn't quite your vibe, you're in luck again, just across the river, you can dive into a Portland vs. Vancouver comparison to see which side of the Columbia fits you best. Portland has plenty of neighborhoods that might be a better fit. (I've even got a video on the best areas to live in Portland, check it out!)

Thinking About Moving in Vancouver, Washington? Let's Chat!

If you're considering making Vancouver your home, or if you're already here and thinking about a move, let's talk! A great first step is to explore Vancouver WA neighborhoods to see which community matches your lifestyle. I know this area inside and out, and I'd love to help you figure out the best spot for you.

📩 Reach out via email, text, or DM, I'm always happy to chat!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver, WA — Common Questions Answered

Are people moving out of Vancouver?

While some residents are moving out due to rising housing costs or job relocations, Vancouver, WA is still experiencing net population growth. Many people from Portland and other states are moving in for affordability, no state income tax, and quality of life. The overall trend leans toward in-migration, not out-migration.

Does Vancouver, Washington have a homeless problem?

Yes, like many West Coast cities, Vancouver has a growing homelessness issue, though it's not as severe as nearby Portland or Seattle. The city is investing in shelters, affordable housing, and outreach programs. Rising rents and limited mental health services are contributing factors.

Is Vancouver, Washington a good place to live?

Vancouver is considered a great place to live, offering scenic views, good schools, access to nature, and no state income tax. It's popular with families, retirees, and Portland-area commuters looking for a calmer pace. The revitalized waterfront and strong community vibe also make it appealing.

Why are people moving to Vancouver, Washington?

People move to Vancouver for lower cost of living compared to Portland, no income tax, and a high quality of life. The city offers good schools, outdoor access, and a strong sense of community. It's especially attractive to remote workers and those relocating from higher-cost states.

Is Vancouver growing or shrinking?

Vancouver is growing steadily, with new housing developments, infrastructure projects, and commercial expansion. The population continues to rise, supported by migration from Oregon, California, and other parts of Washington. Growth is especially strong in the suburbs and eastern parts of the city.

Is Vancouver in a housing crisis?

Vancouver faces housing affordability challenges, with rising home prices and limited inventory, particularly for first-time buyers and renters. While not as extreme as in Seattle or Portland, demand outpaces supply. The city is working on zoning updates and new developments to ease the pressure.

What is the main cause of homelessness in Vancouver?

Key causes include lack of affordable housing, mental health challenges, substance use issues, and poverty. Many individuals and families are just one emergency away from losing stable housing. Local organizations are focused on prevention, housing-first solutions, and wraparound services.

What is the poverty rate in Vancouver, WA?

As of 2025 estimates, Vancouver's poverty rate is around 11%–13%, which is close to the national average. Rates are higher among renters and single-parent households. The city continues to invest in workforce development and affordable housing to help reduce that number.

What city has the worst homeless issue?

Los Angeles, CA has the largest homeless population in the U.S., with tens of thousands of unsheltered individuals. Other cities with severe homelessness issues include San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. These cities struggle with high housing costs and limited shelter capacity.

What is a good salary in Vancouver, WA?

A good salary in Vancouver for a comfortable lifestyle is typically $70,000–$100,000 for a single person, and more for families. This allows for decent housing, transportation, savings, and some extras. The lack of state income tax helps your paycheck go further.

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Cassandra Marks

+1(503) 884-2387

Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA License ID: 201225764