Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Las Vegas, NV

Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Las Vegas, NV

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

9.6% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
18.8% 18.8% cheaper housing
2.9% 2.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.8% cheaper
Portland
138
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries 2.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 3.7% cheaper
Portland
108
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 8.4% cheaper
Portland
107
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 11.4% more
Portland
88
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index1141039.6% less
Housing13811218.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,35012.9% less
Median Home Price$485,000$380,00021.6% less
Groceries1031002.9% less
Transportation1081043.7% less
Healthcare107988.4% less
Utilities889811.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Las Vegas, NV
State Income Tax8.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Las Vegas, NV
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Portland652,503
Las Vegas646,790

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?+
Las Vegas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Las Vegas?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Nevada has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.85%. 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 Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $62,000 in Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Nevada averages 0.48%.