Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Portland, OR (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

Chicago is 28% cheaper than Portland.

$1,380/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↑ 16%
$75,134/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↑ 18%
$315,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$557,600 ↑ 77%
$1,502/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↑ 18%
2,707,648
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $13,658/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Portland — common questions

Is Chicago or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Portland?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Portland?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $13,658/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oregon?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.
View Chicago details → View Portland details →

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