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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Modesto

California
120

Portland is 15% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,596/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ≈ Same
$88,792/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 12%
$557,600 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 25%
$1,771/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 9%
642,715
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,893/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Modesto — common questions

Is Portland or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Modesto?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Modesto?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $10,893/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Modesto details →

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