Is Portland, OR cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 26.2% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1966 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $173,592.233 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 63.1% more expensive than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $1966 more per month than Austin, TX, or $23592 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.0K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $173.6K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 26.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,966

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$23.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:126

Median Home:$535K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Portland, OR

Category	Austin, TX	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $1,819more	63.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $437more	34.0%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $184more	10.6%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $110more	11.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$663/mo	↑ $74.35more	12.6%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$475/mo	↓ $65.57less	12.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 63.1%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,819

🚗Transportation

↑ 34.0%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$437

📦Other

↑ 10.6%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$184

🛒Groceries

↑ 11.5%

Austin, TX

$959

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$110

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.6%

Austin, TX

$589

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$74.35

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$65.57

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,555

↓ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,655

↓ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,900

↓ $95.00

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,590

↑ $65.00

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,559

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Portland

$558K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 4% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Portland

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $15.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$1,293

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.