Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Portland is 23% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,596/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 8%
$88,792/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 28%
$557,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 29%
$1,771/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 13%
642,715
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $24,918/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Portland or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $24,918/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Jersey?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Elizabeth details →

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