Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Portland is 7% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,596/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 19%
$88,792/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 7%
$557,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 4%
$1,771/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 13%
642,715
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $6,021/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Portland or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Jersey City?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Jersey City?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $6,021/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Jersey?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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