Is Portland, OR cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 34.0% more expensive than Durham, NC. This translates to spending an extra $2552 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $180,618.557 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 90.5% more expensive than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $2552 more per month than Durham, NC, or $30619 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.6K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $180.6K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 34.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,552

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$30.6K

Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$411K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

134

(34% above avg)

Median Home:$535K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K residents.

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: Durham, NC vs Portland, OR

Category	Durham, NC	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $2,235more	90.5%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $437more	34.0%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $218more	12.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $110more	11.5%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$475/mo	↓ $71.03less	13.0%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$663/mo	↑ $61.96more	10.3%

Housing

↑ 90.5%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,235

Transportation

↑ 34.0%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$437

Other

↑ 12.7%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$218

Groceries

↑ 11.5%

Durham, NC

$959

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$110

All Utilities

↓ 13.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$71.03

less

Healthcare

↑ 10.3%

Durham, NC

$601

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$61.96

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Durham, NC 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$1,430

To$1,555

↑ $125

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,655

↑ $135

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,900

↑ $170

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,590

↑ $450

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,990

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Portland

$411K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 30% more expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$699

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.