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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Ventura

California
183

Portland is 25% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,596/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 32%
$88,792/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 13%
$557,600 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 40%
$1,771/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 20%
642,715
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $11,615/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Ventura — common questions

Is Portland or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Ventura?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Ventura?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $11,615/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Ventura details →

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