Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Portland is 41% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,596/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 18%
$88,792/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 29%
$557,600 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 41%
$1,771/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 22%
642,715
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $26,121/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Richmond — common questions

Is Portland or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Richmond?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Richmond?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $26,121/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Virginia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Richmond details →

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