Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Portland is 18% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,596/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 16%
$88,792/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 16%
$557,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 11%
$1,771/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 21%
642,715
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.65%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $13,867/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Portland or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $13,867/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Utah?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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