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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Philadelphia, PA

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

5.3% Philadelphia, PA is cheaper overall
20.3% 20.3% cheaper housing
2.9% 2.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.3% cheaper
Portland
138
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 2.9% more
Portland
103
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 3.7% more
Portland
108
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Portland
107
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 22.7% more
Portland
88
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1141085.3% less
Housing13811020.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,5003.2% less
Median Home Price$485,000$280,00042.3% less
Groceries1031062.9% more
Transportation1081123.7% more
Healthcare107105~Same
Utilities8810822.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)3.07%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Portland652,503
Philadelphia1,603,797

Moving from Portland to Philadelphia?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Philadelphia is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Philadelphia?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $205,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.