Portland vs. Seattle
 

My fiancé and I are looking to relocate to either Portland or Seattle. I would like to find a job at a university where I can ideally do clinical research (but I am open to taking an administrative assistant position as well), while also doing some post-bac work. I want to apply to medical schools in two years and need to fulfill some pre-requisites. I want to get a job at a university so I can take these classes for free (or at a discounted tuition) as an employee of the university. My fiancé is a guitarist.

Can anyone recommend one city over the over? Does anyone know which universities offer free tuition to employees, or if discounted, what the discounts are? If I would be better off finding a job at a university in one city over the other? If the music scene for artists is more vibrant in one city over the other?

This is the best Medical School we have in Oregon.
http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/services/human-resources/

I won't say anything good or bad about the schools in Washington. Maybe try living in each city for 2 weeks.
They each have free transportation in a city center zone.

Seattle is much larger than Portland so you might want to take that into consideration. There isn't any shortage of music in Portland but there is probably triple the options in Seattle. Same with university jobs.
Links to a couple local music venues.
http://www.mississippistudios.com/
http://www.aladdin-theater.com/
Why are you considering the Northwest? Do you have family nearby?

You need to do your own research on this. Seattle is much bigger with more opportunities. That said, you need to figure out what you are looking for and decide based on that.

The two med schools are the University of Washington in Seattle and Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. UW is one of the top med schools in the country, and Seattle has among the best medical care in the nation - great hospitals. Seattle is also one of the top "sound" cities in the US, particularly in alternative music.

Seattle is also more expensive than Portland and the traffic is worse - downside of being bigger.

Getting admitted to either UW Medical School and OHSU is very competitive - they're both among the most selective schools in the country. Not saying don't try, but do your homework on their admission criteria and track record.

Either city fits what you seek. Both are vibrant and fun places to live. Seattle is larger and on Puget Sound. Portland rents are a bit cheaper, it's inland. Music scene good both places.

Yes the UW gives free/discount classes to employees, but it's very competitive & difficult to get hired there even for basic admin positions. (I've tried on numberous occasions and have a lot of admin experience and could never even get an interview.)

My advice would be... don't spend any time debating between the two cities. Simply start working on BOTH of them and see where you can get job interviews.

Washington has no state income tax but has a sales tax.
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes but no sales tax if that helps shape your thoughts on where you want to live and work.