Is Portland, OR cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 22.2% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $1667 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Lakewood, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $170,002.559 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakewood, CO and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 66.4% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lakewood, CO to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $1667 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $20003 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO 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 Lakewood, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.0K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 22.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,667

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$20.0K

Per year

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

Lakewood, CO

Population:156K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$585K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

122

(22% above avg)

Median Home:$535K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 156K 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: Lakewood, CO vs Portland, OR

Category	Lakewood, CO	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $1,877more	66.4%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $308more	21.8%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $209more	12.2%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $57.14more	5.6%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$663/mo	↑ $41.52more	6.7%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$475/mo	↓ $35.06less	6.9%

Housing

↑ 66.4%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,877

Transportation

↑ 21.8%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$308

Other

↑ 12.2%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$209

Groceries

↑ 5.6%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$57.14

Healthcare

↑ 6.7%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$41.52

All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$35.06

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Lakewood, CO 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$1,257

To$1,555

↑ $298

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,655

↑ $311

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$1,900

↑ $301

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$2,590

↑ $498

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/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.

$8,100

Monthly in Lakewood, CO

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,458

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Portland

$585K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 9% less expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$743

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.9%

Rate difference

Lakewood, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.