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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Portland is 17% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,596/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 37%
$88,792/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 15%
$557,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 6%
$1,771/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 26%
642,715
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $595/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $7,140/year.

Median household income is $13,529/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Portland or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fairfield?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $595/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fairfield?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $13,529/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Fairfield details →

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