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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Portland is 32% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,596/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 43%
$88,792/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 58%
$557,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 55%
$1,771/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 36%
642,715
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $51,368/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Arlington — common questions

Is Portland or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 203 (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 $2,275/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Arlington?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $51,368/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Virginia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Arlington details →

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