Cost of Living in Portland, OR is
25.4% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Portland, OR increase in 2024? Portland, OR area prices were up 3.9% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Portland, Oregon    Portland is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Multnomah County. It is a major port in the Willamette Vall....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Oregon's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $14.2 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Portland, OR

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Portland, OR by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
+ 9.0%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-4.9%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
+ 17.9%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 19.5%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 13.9%

Cost of Living Comparison with Portland, OR

If you move to Portland from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToPortland, OR Cost Of Living Comparision
-61.1%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToPortland, OR Cost Of Living Comparision
-19.7%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToPortland, OR Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 10.1%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToPortland, OR Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 13.0%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToPortland, OR Cost Of Living Comparision
-27.7%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToPortland, OR Cost Of Living Comparision
-51.6%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToPortland, OR Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 18.4%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Portland, OR

Portland is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Multnomah County. It is a major port in the Willamette Valley region of the Pacific Northwest, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. As of 2017, Portland had an estimated population of 647,805, making it the 26th-largest city in the United States, and the second-most populous in the Pacific Northwest (after Seattle). Approximately 2.4 million people live in the Portland metropolitan statistical area (MSA), making it the 25th most populous MSA in the United States. Its Combined Statist...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Portland, OR

What are the cheapest grocery stores?

Some stores like Smith's offer frequent discounts or loyalty programs that can save you even more at the checkout. Since groceries are an essential part of you cost of living, take advantage of discounts whenever you can. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I love to go to sports events, what does Portland, Oregon have to offer?

I love basketball. In Portland, Oregon I go to a lot of Potland Trail Blazers games. The tickets are expensive and add to my entertainment expenses, increasing my cost of living, but it is worth it! It is so much fun to see my favorite team in person. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is the average price of internet in Portland, OR?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Portland, OR. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much are average utility costs in Portland, Oregon compared to the rest of U.S.?

Electric costs in Portland,OR are currently the nineth lowest when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Oregon has gone up about 0.455%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How do rental housing prices in Portland,Oregon impact the overall cost of living?

I am single and live in Portland,OR, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $881 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Portland,OR, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there fun things to in Portland, Oregon that are free or don’t cost a lot?

Looks for areas of Portland, Oregon where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Portland, OR to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Portland, Oregon?

The sales tax for Portland is 0. This is the tax (no tax) that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I need to use public transportation, what is it like in Portland, Oregon?

You are in luck! Portland, Oregon is ranked NO. 11 in the U.S. for public transportation quality. Having a good public transit system to use will reduce travel expenses and your overall cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I hate to drive in traffic, does Portland have traffic problems?

Unfortunately, driving in Portland, Oregon is not very easy and may take up a lot of your time. It is ranked as number 60 in the United States, making it below average in driver friendliness. This means that the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How long does it take to get to work in Portland, Oregon on average?

Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Portland, Oregon, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Portland is 33.22 minutes. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Does Portland, Oregon have a good climate?

Bring your umbrella! Portland, Oregon has on average 164 days per years with rain. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is a monthly pass for public transit in Portland, Oregon?

The cost of a monthly transit pass in Portland, OR is around $100.00. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall Cost of Living (COL). ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-04-24