The Vancouver economy is characterized by
border economics with neighboring Portland, Oregon. The state of Washington
levies no individual or corporate income taxes and levies a property tax below
the national average and a sales tax above the national median. The State of
Oregon has even lower property taxes and no sales tax but one of the highest
state income taxes. As a result, many Vancouver residents prefer to shop in
neighboring Portland where they do not pay sales taxes then live and work in
Vancouver where they do not pay state income tax. (Washington residents who
work in Oregon must pay
