Is Portland, OR cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 20.3% more expensive than Chicago, IL. This translates to spending an extra $1519 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $168,233.117 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 53.4% more expensive than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $1519 more per month than Chicago, IL, or $18233 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.2K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 20.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,519

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.2K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:120

Median Home:$535K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

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: Chicago, IL vs Portland, OR

Category	Chicago, IL	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $1,637more	53.4%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $167more	9.5%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$663/mo	↑ $68.15more	11.5%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$475/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $40.98more	2.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 53.4%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,637

📦Other

↑ 9.5%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$167

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.5%

Chicago, IL

$595

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$68.15

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.4%

Chicago, IL

$519

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$43.71

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.4%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$40.98

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$39.97

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Chicago, IL 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$1,600

To$1,555

↓ $45.00

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,655

↓ $55.00

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,900

↓ $25.00

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,590

↑ $110

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$1,910

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Portland

$305K

Median Value

$535K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 75% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$674

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.4%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.