Is Portland, OR cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 19.3% more expensive than Modesto, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1445 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $167,339.45 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 52.1% more expensive than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

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

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $1445 more per month than Modesto, CA, or $17339 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA 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 Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.3K in Portland, OR

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

Overall Cost

↑ 19.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,445

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$17.3K

Per year

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

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$424K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

119

(19% above avg)

Median Home:$535K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K 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: Modesto, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	Modesto, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,092/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $1,611more	52.1%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $246more	16.7%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $201more	11.7%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$663/mo	↑ $161more	32.1%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$475/mo	↓ $54.64less	10.3%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $19.99less	1.8%

Housing

↑ 52.1%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,611

Transportation

↑ 16.7%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$246

Other

↑ 11.7%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$201

Healthcare

↑ 32.1%

Modesto, CA

$502

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$161

All Utilities

↓ 10.3%

Modesto, CA

$530

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$54.64

less

Groceries

↓ 1.8%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$19.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Modesto, 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$1,290

To$1,555

↑ $265

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,655

↑ $265

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,900

↑ $100

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$2,590

↑ $90.00

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/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.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,144

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Portland

$424K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 26% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto 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

Modesto, 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

Modesto, 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.