Is Denver, CO cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 15.4% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1154 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $136,153.846 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 30.9% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Denver, CO?

Moving from Portland, OR to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1154 per month, or $13846 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Portland, OR

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.2K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 15.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,154

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.8K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$513K

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Denver, CO

Category	Portland, OR	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $1,455less	30.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $260less	15.1%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $151less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$519/mo	↑ $43.71more	9.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $39.97less	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$632/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 30.9%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,455

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.1%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↓ 7.8%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$151

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.2%

Portland, OR

$475

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$43.71

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.7%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$39.97

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.7%

Portland, OR

$663

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$30.98

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Net difference-$1,431/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,555

To$1,720

↑ $165

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,840

↑ $185

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,190

↑ $290

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,870

↑ $280

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,893

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Denver

$535K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 4% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$743

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.9%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.