Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Portland is 25% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,596/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 8%
$88,792/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 7%
$557,600 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 32%
$1,771/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 16%
642,715
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $6,368/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Portland or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Raleigh?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Raleigh?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $6,368/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Raleigh details →

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