Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Provo, UT (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Portland is 35% more expensive than Provo.

$1,596/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 28%
$88,792/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 29%
$557,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 22%
$1,771/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 31%
642,715
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.65%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $25,992/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Provo — common questions

Is Portland or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Provo?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Provo?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $25,992/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Utah?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Provo details →

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