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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Portland, OR

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

16.3% Portland, OR is more expensive overall
32.7% 32.7% more expensive housing
6.2% 6.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.7% more
Raleigh
104
Portland
138
🛒 Groceries 6.2% more
Raleigh
97
Portland
103
🚗 Transportation 12.5% more
Raleigh
96
Portland
108
🏥 Healthcare 7.0% more
Raleigh
100
Portland
107
⚡ Utilities 10.2% cheaper
Raleigh
98
Portland
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Portland, OR Difference
Overall Cost Index9811416.3% more
Housing10413832.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,55014.8% more
Median Home Price$385,000$485,00026.0% more
Groceries971036.2% more
Transportation9610812.5% more
Healthcare1001077.0% more
Utilities988810.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Portland, OR
State Income Tax4.50%8.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%None (0%)
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.82%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Portland costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Portland to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Portland (114). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Portland4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Portland2.2%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Portland27 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Portland65
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Portland42
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Portland54°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Portland652,503

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Portland cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 32.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Portland?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,550/month in Portland — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Portland?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Raleigh to Portland?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $79,000 in Portland. 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 Raleigh vs Portland?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $485,000 in Portland — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Oregon averages 0.82%.