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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Atlanta, GA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

6.1% Atlanta, GA is cheaper overall
17.4% 17.4% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 17.4% cheaper
Portland
138
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Portland
103
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Portland
108
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare 4.7% cheaper
Portland
107
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities 12.5% more
Portland
88
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index1141076.1% less
Housing13811417.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,6506.5% more
Median Home Price$485,000$380,00021.6% less
Groceries103102~Same
Transportation108109~Same
Healthcare1071024.7% less
Utilities889912.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Atlanta, GA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)5.39%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Atlanta outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Atlanta to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Portland652,503
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland and Atlanta → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Atlanta →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Atlanta is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 17.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Atlanta?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Portland to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Portland vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Georgia averages 0.72%.