Is Boston, MA cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 14.6% more expensive than Portland, OR. This translates to spending an extra $1096 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $163,153.846 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 12.2% more expensive than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $1096 more per month than Portland, OR, or $13154 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Portland, OR

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.2K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 14.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,096

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.2K

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:115

Median Home:$961K

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Boston, MA

Category	Portland, OR	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $572more	12.2%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$716/mo	↑ $240more	50.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $109more	6.3%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $100less	5.2%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$743/mo	↑ $80.54more	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $9.99more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.2%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$572

⚡All Utilities

↑ 50.6%

Portland, OR

$475

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$240

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.3%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$109

📦Other

↓ 5.2%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$100

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.1%

Portland, OR

$663

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$80.54

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Boston, MA 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$3,095

↑ $1,540

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$3,255

↑ $1,600

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$3,865

↑ $1,965

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$4,630

↑ $2,040

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$912

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Boston

$535K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 80% more expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$668

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.3%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.