Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Portland is 82% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,596/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 23%
$88,792/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 28%
$557,600 ↑ 189%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 65%
$1,771/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 36%
642,715
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $24,655/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Portland or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $24,655/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Pennsylvania?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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