Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs San Francisco, CA

Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs San Francisco, CA

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

29.8% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
52.2% 52.2% more expensive housing
11.7% 11.7% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 52.2% more
Portland
138
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 11.7% more
Portland
103
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 18.5% more
Portland
108
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 10.3% more
Portland
107
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 22.7% more
Portland
88
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index11414829.8% more
Housing13821052.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$3,00093.5% more
Median Home Price$485,000$1,250,000157.7% more
Groceries10311511.7% more
Transportation10812818.5% more
Healthcare10711810.3% more
Utilities8810822.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR San Francisco, 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
San Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Francisco to maintain your Portland lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Portland65
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Portland652,503
San Francisco808,437

Moving from Portland to San Francisco?

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 San Francisco → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in San Francisco →

Compare Other Cities

Portland vs Austin → Portland vs Denver → Portland vs Nashville → San Francisco vs Raleigh → San Francisco vs Phoenix → San Francisco vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Portland is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 52.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or San Francisco?+
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 San Francisco?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $765,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while California averages 0.71%.