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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Portland is 38% more expensive than Newark.

$1,596/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 17%
$88,792/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 45%
$557,600 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 39%
$1,771/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 20%
642,715
Population
307,188

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
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $40,376/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Newark — common questions

Is Portland or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Newark?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Newark?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $40,376/year higher in Portland.
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 Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Newark details →

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