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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Los Angeles, CA

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

19.3% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
29.0% 29.0% more expensive housing
6.8% 6.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 29.0% more
Portland
138
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 6.8% more
Portland
103
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 15.7% more
Portland
108
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 4.7% more
Portland
107
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 19.3% more
Portland
88
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index11413619.3% more
Housing13817829.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$2,50061.3% more
Median Home Price$485,000$880,00081.4% more
Groceries1031106.8% more
Transportation10812515.7% more
Healthcare1071124.7% more
Utilities8810519.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Los Angeles, CA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Los Angeles outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Portland652,503
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from Portland to Los Angeles?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Portland vs Austin → Portland vs Denver → Portland vs Nashville → Los Angeles vs Raleigh → Los Angeles vs Phoenix → Los Angeles vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Portland is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 29.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Los Angeles?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $395,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while California averages 0.71%.