Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Portland, OR (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

Denver is 7% more expensive than Portland.

$1,770/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↓ 10%
$91,681/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↓ 3%
$586,700 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$557,600 ↓ 5%
$1,839/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↓ 4%
713,734
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $2,889/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Portland — common questions

Is Denver or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Portland?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Portland?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $2,889/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oregon?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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