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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Dallas, TX

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

10.5% Dallas, TX is cheaper overall
21.7% 21.7% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.7% cheaper
Portland
138
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation 6.5% cheaper
Portland
108
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 8.4% cheaper
Portland
107
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 18.2% more
Portland
88
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index11410210.5% less
Housing13810821.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,4009.7% less
Median Home Price$485,000$340,00029.9% less
Groceries103975.8% less
Transportation1081016.5% less
Healthcare107988.4% less
Utilities8810418.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Dallas, TX
State Income Tax8.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Dallas outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Portland652,503
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Portland to Dallas?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 21.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Dallas?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Dallas?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. 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 Dallas?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Texas averages 1.60%.