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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fremont

California
278

Portland is 50% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,596/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 82%
$88,792/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 99%
$557,600 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 131%
$1,771/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 69%
642,715
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,309/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $15,708/year.

Median household income is $87,558/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fremont — common questions

Is Portland or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fremont?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,309/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fremont?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $87,558/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Fremont details →

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