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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Portland is 39% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,596/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 52%
$88,792/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 35%
$557,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 88%
$1,771/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 38%
642,715
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $828/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $9,936/year.

Median household income is $31,093/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Portland or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $828/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $31,093/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Huntington Beach details →

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