Is Portland, OR cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 28.5% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $2134 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $175,612.648 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 103.4% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $2134 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $25613 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.1K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $175.6K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 28.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,134

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$25.6K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:128

Median Home:$535K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Portland, OR

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $2,391more	103.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $301more	21.2%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $151more	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$475/mo	↓ $131less	21.6%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$663/mo	↑ $55.76more	9.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $34.97less	3.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 103.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,391

🚗Transportation

↑ 21.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$301

📦Other

↑ 8.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$151

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$131

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$55.76

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$34.97

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$4,125/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,555

↑ $275

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,655

↑ $265

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,900

↑ $240

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,590

↑ $600

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,732

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Portland

$241K

Median Value

$535K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 122% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$909

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.3%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.