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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Glendale

California
214

Portland is 36% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,596/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 31%
$88,792/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 5%
$557,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 87%
$1,771/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 25%
642,715
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $4,530/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland 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, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Glendale?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $4,530/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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Glendale details →

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