Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Portland, OR (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

Los Angeles is 36% more expensive than Portland.

$1,879/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↓ 15%
$80,366/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↑ 10%
$879,500 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$557,600 ↓ 37%
$2,055/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↓ 14%
3,857,897
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $8,426/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Portland — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Portland?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Portland?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $8,426/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Portland details →

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