Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Portland is 75% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,596/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 30%
$88,792/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 60%
$1,771/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 28%
642,715
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $37,453/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Springfield — common questions

Is Portland or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Springfield?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Springfield?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $37,453/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Massachusetts?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Springfield details →

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