Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Reno, NV (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Portland is 13% more expensive than Reno.

$1,596/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 9%
$88,792/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 12%
$557,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$498,600 ↓ 11%
$1,771/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 16%
642,715
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $10,344/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Reno — common questions

Is Portland or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Reno?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Reno?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $10,344/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Nevada?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Reno details →

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