Is Portland, OR cheaper than Palmdale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 12.0% cheaper than Palmdale, CA. This translates to saving $900 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Palmdale, CA, you'd need approximately $139,197.295 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 20.9% cheaper than in Palmdale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA.

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

Moving from Palmdale, CA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $900 per month, or $10803 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Palmdale, 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 Palmdale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $900/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Portland, OR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$900

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

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

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$489K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$535K

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 161K 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: Palmdale, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	Palmdale, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,945/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $1,242less	20.9%
Other	$1,476/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $450more	30.5%
Healthcare	$511/mo	$663/mo	↑ $152more	29.6%
Transportation	$1,840/mo	$1,721/mo	↓ $119less	6.5%
Groceries	$960/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $109more	11.3%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$475/mo	↓ $39.21less	7.6%

Housing

↓ 20.9%

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,242

less

Other

↑ 30.5%

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$450

Healthcare

↑ 29.6%

Palmdale, CA

$511

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$152

Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$119

less

Groceries

↑ 11.3%

Palmdale, CA

$960

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$109

All Utilities

↓ 7.6%

Palmdale, CA

$515

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$39.21

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Palmdale, 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$1,333

To$1,555

↑ $222

1 Bed

From$1,493

To$1,655

↑ $162

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$1,900

↑ $38.00

3 Bed

From$2,362

To$2,590

↑ $228

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/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.

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$690

Difference

Home Values

Palmdale

Portland

$489K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +31.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$489K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 9% more expensive than Palmdale

Calculate payment - Palmdale 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

Palmdale, 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

Palmdale, 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.