Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Portland is 2% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,596/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 9%
$88,792/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 3%
$557,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 2%
$1,771/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 2%
642,715
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $3,003/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Portland or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Lakewood?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Lakewood?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $3,003/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Lakewood details →

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