Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Colorado Springs, CO (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

Portland is 16% more expensive than Colorado Springs.

$1,596/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↓ 2%
$88,792/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↓ 6%
$557,600 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$420,700 ↓ 25%
$1,771/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↓ 10%
642,715
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,594/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Portland or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $5,594/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,562/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Colorado Springs details →

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