Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Boston, MA

Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Boston, MA

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

18.4% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
24.6% 24.6% more expensive housing
6.8% 6.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.6% more
Portland
138
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 6.8% more
Portland
103
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 9.3% more
Portland
108
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 7.5% more
Portland
107
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 27.3% more
Portland
88
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index11413518.4% more
Housing13817224.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$2,60067.7% more
Median Home Price$485,000$700,00044.3% more
Groceries1031106.8% more
Transportation1081189.3% more
Healthcare1071157.5% more
Utilities8811227.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Boston, MA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)9.00% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Boston51°F
Population
Portland652,503
Boston675,647

Moving from Portland to Boston?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

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

Compare Other Cities

Portland vs Austin → Portland vs Denver → Portland vs Nashville → Boston vs Raleigh → Boston vs Phoenix → Boston vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Portland is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 24.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,050 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Boston?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. 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 Boston?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $215,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.