Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Portland is 142% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,596/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 41%
$88,792/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 41%
$557,600 ↑ 332%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 77%
$1,771/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 48%
642,715
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.05%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $36,541/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Evansville — common questions

Is Portland or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Evansville?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Evansville?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $36,541/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Indiana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Evansville details →

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