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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Chicago, IL

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

6.1% Chicago, IL is cheaper overall
23.9% 23.9% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.9% cheaper
Portland
138
Chicago
105
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Portland
103
Chicago
104
🚗 Transportation 5.6% more
Portland
108
Chicago
114
🏥 Healthcare 3.7% cheaper
Portland
107
Chicago
103
⚡ Utilities 14.8% more
Portland
88
Chicago
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Chicago, IL Difference
Overall Cost Index1141076.1% less
Housing13810523.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,7009.7% more
Median Home Price$485,000$310,00036.1% less
Groceries103104~Same
Transportation1081145.6% more
Healthcare1071033.7% less
Utilities8810114.8% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Chicago, IL
State Income Tax8.75% (top)4.95%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.95%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Chicago costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Chicago4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Chicago2.1%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Chicago35 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Chicago78
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Chicago44
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Chicago50°F
Population
Portland652,503
Chicago2,665,039

Moving from Portland to Chicago?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Chicago cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 23.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Chicago?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,700/month in Chicago — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Chicago?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $74,000 in Chicago. 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 Chicago?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Illinois averages 1.95%.