Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Durham, NC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Portland is 31% more expensive than Durham.

$1,596/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 12%
$88,792/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 11%
$557,600 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 36%
$1,771/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 19%
642,715
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $9,558/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Durham — common questions

Is Portland or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Durham?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Durham?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $9,558/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Durham details →

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