Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Portland is 42% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,596/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 72%
$88,792/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 42%
$557,600 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 87%
$1,771/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 49%
642,715
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,146/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $13,752/year.

Median household income is $37,677/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Portland or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Cambridge?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,146/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Cambridge?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $37,677/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Massachusetts?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Cambridge details →

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