Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Portland, OR (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

New York is 20% more expensive than Portland.

$1,779/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↓ 10%
$79,713/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↑ 11%
$751,700 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$557,600 ↓ 26%
$1,837/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↓ 4%
8,516,202
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $9,079/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Portland — common questions

Is New York or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Portland?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Portland?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $9,079/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between New York and Oregon?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Portland details →

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