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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fresno

California
101

Portland is 37% more expensive than Fresno.

$1,596/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↓ 17%
$88,792/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↓ 25%
$557,600 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$348,500 ↓ 38%
$1,771/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↓ 21%
642,715
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $21,988/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fresno — common questions

Is Portland or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fresno?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fresno?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $21,988/year higher in Portland.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Fresno details →

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