Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Portland is 35% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,596/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 12%
$88,792/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 21%
$557,600 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 38%
$1,771/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 23%
642,715
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $18,653/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Glendale — common questions

Is Portland or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Glendale?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Glendale?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $18,653/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Arizona?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Glendale details →

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