Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Portland, OR (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

Boston is 38% more expensive than Portland.

$2,093/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↓ 24%
$94,755/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↓ 6%
$710,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$557,600 ↓ 22%
$2,176/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↓ 19%
663,972
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $5,963/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Portland — common questions

Is Boston or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Portland?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Portland?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $5,963/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Oregon?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Portland has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,596/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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