Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Portland is 24% more expensive than Eugene.

$1,596/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 16%
$88,792/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 28%
$557,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$435,400 ↓ 22%
$1,771/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 20%
642,715
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $24,956/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Eugene — common questions

Is Portland or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Eugene?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Eugene?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $24,956/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Oregon?
Both cities are in Oregon and share the same state tax rates: 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Eugene details →

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