Is Portland, OR cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 22.6% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $1696 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Jersey City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $129,642.857 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jersey City, NJ and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 38.5% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Jersey City, NJ to Portland, OR?

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Portland, OR could save you approximately $1696 per month, or $20357 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Jersey City, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.6K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 22.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,696

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.4K

Per year

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

Jersey City, NJ

Population:292K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$637K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

(23% below avg)

Median Home:$535K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 292K 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: Jersey City, NJ vs Portland, OR

Category	Jersey City, NJ	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $2,944less	38.5%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$475/mo	↓ $125less	20.8%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $119more	7.4%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,925/mo	↓ $109less	5.3%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $95.93less	8.2%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$663/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.6%

Housing

↓ 38.5%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,944

less

All Utilities

↓ 20.8%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$125

less

Transportation

↑ 7.4%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$119

Other

↓ 5.3%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$109

less

Groceries

↓ 8.2%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$95.93

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.6%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$24.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Jersey City, NJ 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$2,285

To$1,555

↓ $730

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$1,655

↓ $680

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$1,900

↓ $725

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$2,590

↓ $605

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Jersey City, NJ

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$3,180

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

Portland

$637K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 16% less expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City 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

$673

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.4%

Rate difference

Jersey City, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/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

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.