Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Portland is 64% more expensive than Baltimore.

$1,596/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 19%
$88,792/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 33%
$557,600 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 61%
$1,771/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 25%
642,715
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $29,169/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Portland or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Baltimore?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Baltimore?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $29,169/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Maryland?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Baltimore details →

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