Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 16.8% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1263 per month.

What salary do I need in Chicago, IL to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $134,838.462 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Chicago, IL?

Housing in Chicago, IL is 34.8% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL?

Moving from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $1263 per month, or $15162 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Portland, OR

Tap to swap

Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.8K in Chicago, IL

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,263

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.2K

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$305K

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

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Chicago, IL

Category	Portland, OR	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $1,637less	34.8%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $167less	8.7%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$595/mo	↓ $68.15less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$519/mo	↑ $43.71more	9.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,680/mo	↓ $40.98less	2.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $39.97less	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 34.8%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$1,637

less

📦Other

↓ 8.7%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$167

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.3%

Portland, OR

$663

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$68.15

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.2%

Portland, OR

$475

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$43.71

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.4%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$40.98

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.7%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$39.97

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Chicago, IL 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$1,600

↑ $45.00

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,710

↑ $55.00

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,925

↑ $25.00

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,480

↓ $110

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$1,910

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Chicago

$535K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 43% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$674

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.4%

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

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.