Is Portland, OR cheaper than Lancaster, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 9.6% cheaper than Lancaster, CA. This translates to saving $722 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Lancaster, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, CA, you'd need approximately $141,333.254 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lancaster, CA and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 18.8% cheaper than in Lancaster, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,461/month in Lancaster, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lancaster, CA to Portland, OR?

Moving from Lancaster, CA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $722 per month, or $8667 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, CA 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 Lancaster, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $722/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.3K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$722

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.7K

Per year

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

Lancaster, CA

Population:166K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$412K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$535K

Lancaster, CA

The Golden State

166K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 166K 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: Lancaster, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	Lancaster, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,789/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $1,086less	18.8%
Other	$1,437/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $488more	34.0%
Healthcare	$505/mo	$663/mo	↑ $158more	31.4%
Groceries	$948/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $121more	12.8%
Transportation	$1,792/mo	$1,721/mo	↓ $70.38less	3.9%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$475/mo	↓ $32.41less	6.4%

Housing

↓ 18.8%

Lancaster, CA

$5,789

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,086

less

Other

↑ 34.0%

Lancaster, CA

$1,437

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$488

Healthcare

↑ 31.4%

Lancaster, CA

$505

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$158

Groceries

↑ 12.8%

Lancaster, CA

$948

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$121

Transportation

↓ 3.9%

Lancaster, CA

$1,792

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$70.38

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.4%

Lancaster, CA

$508

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$32.41

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Lancaster, CA 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$1,016

To$1,555

↑ $539

1 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,655

↑ $505

2 Bed

From$1,461

To$1,900

↑ $439

3 Bed

From$1,870

To$2,590

↑ $720

Lancaster, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$1,630/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.

$10,978

Monthly in Lancaster, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$420

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Portland

$412K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +29.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$412K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 30% more expensive than Lancaster

Calculate payment - Lancaster Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$407

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

Lancaster, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Lancaster, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.