Is Houston, TX cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 25.8% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1933 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $126,807.692 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 53.4% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Houston, TX could save you approximately $1933 per month, or $23192 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Portland, OR

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.8K in Houston, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 25.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,933

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.2K

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$245K

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

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Houston, TX

Category	Portland, OR	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $2,513less	53.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $272less	15.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$911/mo	↓ $158less	14.8%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $157less	8.2%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$562/mo	↓ $101less	15.2%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$552/mo	↑ $77.05more	16.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.4%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$2,513

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.8%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$272

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.8%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$158

less

📦Other

↓ 8.2%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$157

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.2%

Portland, OR

$663

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$101

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.2%

Portland, OR

$475

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$77.05

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, 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$1,220

↓ $335

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,260

↓ $395

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,500

↓ $400

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,020

↓ $570

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$3,124

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Houston

$535K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 54% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Houston

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

Houston, 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%

Houston, 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.