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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Portland is 45% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,596/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 13%
$88,792/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 17%
$557,600 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 50%
$1,771/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 20%
642,715
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $15,273/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Arlington — common questions

Is Portland or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Arlington?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Arlington?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $15,273/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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Arlington details →

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