Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Sacramento, CA

Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Sacramento, CA

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

3.5% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
2.9% 2.9% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.9% more
Portland
138
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Portland
103
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 3.7% more
Portland
108
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Portland
107
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Portland
88
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1141183.5% more
Housing1381422.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,6506.5% more
Median Home Price$485,000$450,0007.2% less
Groceries103104~Same
Transportation1081123.7% more
Healthcare107108~Same
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Sacramento, 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
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento 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 Sacramento to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Portland652,503
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Portland to Sacramento?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Portland vs Austin → Portland vs Denver → Portland vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Phoenix → Sacramento vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Portland is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Sacramento?+
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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while California averages 0.71%.