Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Portland is 126% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,596/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 35%
$88,792/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 47%
$557,600 ↑ 362%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 78%
$1,771/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 43%
642,715
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
10.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $42,164/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Rochester — common questions

Is Portland or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Rochester?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Rochester?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $42,164/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New York?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Rochester details →

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