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Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Tampa, FL

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

11.4% Tampa, FL is cheaper overall
20.3% 20.3% cheaper housing
2.9% 2.9% cheaper 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
Tampa
110
🛒 Groceries 2.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Tampa
100
🚗 Transportation 7.4% cheaper
Portland
108
Tampa
100
🏥 Healthcare 11.2% cheaper
Portland
107
Tampa
95
⚡ Utilities 17.0% more
Portland
88
Tampa
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Tampa, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index11410111.4% less
Housing13811020.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,4506.5% less
Median Home Price$485,000$365,00024.7% less
Groceries1031002.9% less
Transportation1081007.4% less
Healthcare1079511.2% less
Utilities8810317.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Tampa, FL
State Income Tax8.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

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

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Tampa (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Tampa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Tampa3.2%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Tampa27 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Tampa49
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Tampa37
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Tampa73°F
Population
Portland652,503
Tampa393,468

Moving from Portland to Tampa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland or Tampa cheaper to live in?+
Tampa 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 Tampa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,450/month in Tampa — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Tampa?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Tampa?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 compared to $62,000 in Tampa. 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 Tampa?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $365,000 in Tampa — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Florida averages 0.80%.