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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Portland is 29% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,596/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 33%
$88,792/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 17%
$557,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 54%
$1,771/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 27%
642,715
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $15,427/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Portland or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fullerton?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fullerton?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $15,427/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Fullerton details →

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