Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Portland is 171% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,596/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 44%
$88,792/yr ↑ 127%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 56%
$557,600 ↑ 493%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 83%
$1,771/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 51%
642,715
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $49,605/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Portland or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Cleveland?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Cleveland?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $49,605/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Ohio?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Cleveland details →

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