Is Austin, TX cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 20.8% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1558 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $131,307.692 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 38.7% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Austin, TX?

Moving from Portland, OR to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1558 per month, or $18692 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Portland, OR

Tap to swap

Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.3K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 20.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,558

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.7K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:79

Median Home:$558K

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Austin, TX

Category	Portland, OR	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,819less	38.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $437less	25.4%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $184less	9.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$959/mo	↓ $110less	10.3%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$589/mo	↓ $74.35less	11.2%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$541/mo	↑ $65.57more	13.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 38.7%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,819

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.4%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$437

less

📦Other

↓ 9.6%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$184

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.3%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.2%

Portland, OR

$663

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$74.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.8%

Portland, OR

$475

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$65.57

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, TX 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$1,555

To$1,585

↑ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,685

↑ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,995

↑ $95.00

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,525

↓ $65.00

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,559

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Austin

$535K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 4% more expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $15.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$1,293

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.