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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Phoenix, AZ

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

12.3% Phoenix, AZ is cheaper overall
23.2% 23.2% cheaper housing
4.9% 4.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.2% cheaper
Portland
138
Phoenix
106
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Phoenix
98
🚗 Transportation 6.5% cheaper
Portland
108
Phoenix
101
🏥 Healthcare 11.2% cheaper
Portland
107
Phoenix
95
⚡ Utilities 22.7% more
Portland
88
Phoenix
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Phoenix, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index11410012.3% less
Housing13810623.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,28017.4% less
Median Home Price$485,000$370,00023.7% less
Groceries103984.9% less
Transportation1081016.5% less
Healthcare1079511.2% less
Utilities8810822.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Phoenix, AZ
State Income Tax8.75% (top)2.50%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Phoenix 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 Phoenix to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Phoenix (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Phoenix3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Phoenix3.3%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Phoenix27 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Phoenix38
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Phoenix58
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Phoenix75°F
Population
Portland652,503
Phoenix1,624,569

Moving from Portland to Phoenix?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Phoenix cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 23.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Phoenix?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,280/month in Phoenix — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Phoenix?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $68,000 in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $370,000 in Phoenix — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Arizona averages 0.51%.