Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Sacramento, CA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Portland is 5% more expensive than Sacramento.

$1,596/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 6%
$88,792/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↓ 6%
$557,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$484,600 ↓ 13%
$1,771/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↓ 1%
642,715
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $5,039/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Portland or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Sacramento?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Sacramento?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $5,039/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Sacramento details →

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