Is Portland, OR cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 34.7% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $2604 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $181,243.523 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 114.7% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $2604 more per month than Houston, TX, or $31244 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $181.2K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 34.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,604

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$31.2K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:135

Median Home:$535K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Portland, OR

Category	Houston, TX	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $2,513more	114.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $272more	18.8%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $158more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $157more	8.9%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$663/mo	↑ $101more	18.0%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$475/mo	↓ $77.05less	13.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 114.7%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,513

🚗Transportation

↑ 18.8%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$272

🛒Groceries

↑ 17.3%

Houston, TX

$911

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$158

📦Other

↑ 8.9%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$157

🏥Healthcare

↑ 18.0%

Houston, TX

$562

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$101

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.9%

Houston, TX

$552

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$77.05

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, 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$1,220

To$1,555

↑ $335

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,655

↑ $395

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,900

↑ $400

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,590

↑ $570

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$3,124

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Portland

$245K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 118% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

Houston, 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

Houston, 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.