Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Memphis, TN (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Portland is 70% more expensive than Memphis.

$1,596/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 30%
$88,792/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 255%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 72%
$1,771/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 39%
642,715
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $37,581/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Memphis — common questions

Is Portland or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Memphis?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Memphis?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $37,581/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Tennessee?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Memphis has a cost index of 68 with rent of $1,123/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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