Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Portland is 75% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,596/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 21%
$88,792/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 27%
$557,600 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 63%
$1,771/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 34%
642,715
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $23,600/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Portland or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Dearborn?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Dearborn?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $23,600/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Michigan?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Dearborn details →

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