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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs New York, NY

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

27.2% New York, NY is more expensive overall
41.3% 41.3% more expensive housing
12.6% 12.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 41.3% more
Portland
138
New York
195
🛒 Groceries 12.6% more
Portland
103
New York
116
🚗 Transportation 20.4% more
Portland
108
New York
130
🏥 Healthcare 7.5% more
Portland
107
New York
115
⚡ Utilities 27.3% more
Portland
88
New York
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR New York, NY Difference
Overall Cost Index11414527.2% more
Housing13819541.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$3,200106.5% more
Median Home Price$485,000$750,00054.6% more
Groceries10311612.6% more
Transportation10813020.4% more
Healthcare1071157.5% more
Utilities8811227.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR New York, NY
State Income Tax8.75% (top)10.90% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.40%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
New York, NY
$115,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in New York outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs New York (145). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
New York5.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
New York2.8%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
New York41 min
Walk Score
Portland65
New York89
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
New York48
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
New York55°F
Population
Portland652,503
New York8,258,035

Moving from Portland to New York?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or New York cheaper to live in?+
Portland is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 41.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs New York?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $3,200/month in New York — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or New York?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 New York?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $115,000 in New York. 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 New York?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $750,000 in New York — a difference of $265,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while New York averages 1.40%.