Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Portland is 9% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,596/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 13%
$88,792/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 28%
$557,600 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 8%
$1,771/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 10%
642,715
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $24,604/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Arvada — common questions

Is Portland or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Arvada?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Arvada?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $24,604/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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