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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Oakland

California
195

Portland is 29% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,596/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 20%
$88,792/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 10%
$557,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 66%
$1,771/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 22%
642,715
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $8,577/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Oakland — common questions

Is Portland or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Oakland?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Oakland?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $8,577/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Oakland details →

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