Is Portland, OR cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 25.0% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $1874 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $127,512.983 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 39.3% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

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

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $1874 per month, or $22487 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Los Angeles, CA

Tap to swap

Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.5K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,874

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.5K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$535K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $3,046less	39.3%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,721/mo	↓ $437less	20.3%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $194more	11.2%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$663/mo	↑ $109more	19.7%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$475/mo	↓ $81.96less	14.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $28.98more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 39.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$3,046

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$437

less

📦Other

↑ 11.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$194

🏥Healthcare

↑ 19.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$109

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$81.96

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$28.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Los Angeles, 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$1,910

To$1,555

↓ $355

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$1,655

↓ $480

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,900

↓ $760

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$2,590

↓ $780

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$3,233

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Portland

$885K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 40% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles, 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

Los Angeles, 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.