Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Portland is 10% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,596/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 20%
$88,792/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 5%
$557,600 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 29%
$1,771/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 10%
642,715
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $4,579/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Surprise — common questions

Is Portland or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Surprise?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Surprise?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $4,579/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Arizona?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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