Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Portland is 94% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,596/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 31%
$88,792/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 29%
$557,600 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 68%
$1,771/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 37%
642,715
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $26,072/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Abilene — common questions

Is Portland or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Abilene?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Abilene?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $26,072/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Abilene

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