Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Columbus, OH

Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Columbus, OH

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

18.4% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
37.7% 37.7% cheaper housing
6.8% 6.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.7% cheaper
Portland
138
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 6.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 9.3% cheaper
Portland
108
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 12.1% cheaper
Portland
107
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 8.0% more
Portland
88
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1149318.4% less
Housing1388637.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,10029.0% less
Median Home Price$485,000$260,00046.4% less
Groceries103966.8% less
Transportation108989.3% less
Healthcare1079412.1% less
Utilities88958.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Columbus, OH
State Income Tax8.75% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Columbus 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 Columbus to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Portland652,503
Columbus905,748

Moving from Portland to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Columbus cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 37.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Columbus?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $64,000 in Columbus. 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 Columbus?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $225,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Ohio averages 1.41%.