Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Athens, GA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Portland is 66% more expensive than Athens.

$1,596/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 27%
$88,792/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 51%
$1,771/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 34%
642,715
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $37,137/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Athens — common questions

Is Portland or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Athens?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Athens?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $37,137/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Georgia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Athens

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley