Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Salt Lake City, UT

Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Salt Lake City, UT

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

7.9% Salt Lake City, UT is cheaper overall
13.0% 13.0% 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 13.0% cheaper
Portland
138
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation 7.4% cheaper
Portland
108
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare 10.3% cheaper
Portland
107
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Portland
88
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index1141057.9% less
Housing13812013.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,35012.9% less
Median Home Price$485,000$475,0002.1% less
Groceries103984.9% less
Transportation1081007.4% less
Healthcare1079610.3% less
Utilities8888~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Salt Lake City, UT
State Income Tax8.75% (top)4.65%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Salt Lake City outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Salt Lake City to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Portland652,503
Salt Lake City204,657

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Salt Lake City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 13.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Salt Lake City?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $73,000 in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Utah averages 0.52%.