Is Portland, OR cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 12.8% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $956 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $138,523.49 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 10.8% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Portland, OR?

Moving from Boston, MA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $956 per month, or $11477 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $956/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.5K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$956

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.5K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$535K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Portland, OR

Category	Boston, MA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $572less	10.8%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$475/mo	↓ $240less	33.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,721/mo	↓ $109less	6.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $100more	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$663/mo	↓ $80.54less	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $9.99less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 10.8%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$572

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 33.6%

Boston, MA

$716

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$240

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.0%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$109

less

📦Other

↑ 5.5%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$100

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.8%

Boston, MA

$743

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$80.54

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Boston, MA 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$3,095

To$1,555

↓ $1,540

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,655

↓ $1,600

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,900

↓ $1,965

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,590

↓ $2,040

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$912

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Portland

$961K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 44% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$668

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.3%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.