Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Downey, CA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Downey

California
169

Portland is 18% cheaper than Downey.

$1,596/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 19%
$88,792/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 2%
$557,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 31%
$1,771/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 13%
642,715
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $1,392/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Downey — common questions

Is Portland or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Downey?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Downey?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $1,392/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Downey details →

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