Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs College Station, TX (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Portland is 52% more expensive than College Station.

$1,596/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 27%
$88,792/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 41%
$1,771/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 29%
642,715
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $37,016/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs College Station — common questions

Is Portland or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and College Station?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or College Station?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $37,016/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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