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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

San Diego is 43% more expensive than Portland.

$2,223/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↓ 28%
$104,321/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↓ 15%
$848,500 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$557,600 ↓ 34%
$2,308/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↓ 23%
1,385,061
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $15,529/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Portland — common questions

Is San Diego or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Portland?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Portland?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $15,529/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Portland has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,596/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Portland details →

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