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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Portland is 37% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,596/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 39%
$88,792/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 17%
$557,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 87%
$1,771/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 32%
642,715
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $622/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $7,464/year.

Median household income is $14,986/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Portland or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Pasadena?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $622/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Pasadena?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $14,986/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Pasadena details →

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