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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Houston, TX

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

15.8% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
33.3% 33.3% cheaper housing
8.7% 8.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 33.3% cheaper
Portland
138
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 8.7% cheaper
Portland
103
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation 7.4% cheaper
Portland
108
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 11.2% cheaper
Portland
107
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 20.5% more
Portland
88
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1149615.8% less
Housing1389233.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,20022.6% less
Median Home Price$485,000$295,00039.2% less
Groceries103948.7% less
Transportation1081007.4% less
Healthcare1079511.2% less
Utilities8810620.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Houston, 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
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Houston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Houston70°F
Population
Portland652,503
Houston2,304,580

Moving from Portland to Houston?

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 33.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Houston?+
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 Houston?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Houston?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $190,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Texas averages 1.60%.