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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Portland is 13% more expensive than Atlanta.

$1,596/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 1%
$88,792/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↓ 8%
$557,600 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$420,600 ↓ 25%
$1,771/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↓ 4%
642,715
Population
499,287

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
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,854/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Portland or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Atlanta?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Atlanta?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $6,854/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 Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Atlanta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Atlanta

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh