What is the cost of living in Portland?

The cost of living in Portland is 35.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 64.6). Groceries are 1.6% more expensive than NYC. Restaurants are 10.3% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,968 per month. Local purchasing power index is 130.6 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 OR, United States · #36 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Portland?

Q: Should I move to Portland?

Portland, OR, United States has a cost of living 35.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 64.6). It is ranked #36 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 130.6 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

35.4% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-35.4%

vs NYC

USD 1,968

1-BR, city centre

130.6

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Portland?

Cost breakdown: Portland

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

64.6 Very expensive

Rent

44.7 Affordable

Groceries

101.6 Expensive

Restaurants

89.7 Above average

Purchasing Power

130.6 Very strong

Rent in Portland

1-BR, city centre USD 1,968/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,558/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 3,472/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,767/mo

Save by going outside centre 21% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Salem

OR, United States

CoL index 53.0

Compare Salem vs Portland →

🇺🇸 Eugene

OR, United States

CoL index 50.6

Compare Eugene vs Portland →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Portland after tax, in seconds.

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