Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 22.2% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1662 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $130,061.538 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 50.8% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Portland, OR to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $1662 per month, or $19938 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Portland, OR

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.1K in Philadelphia, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 22.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,662

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.9K

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:78

Median Home:$241K

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

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Portland, OR	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $2,391less	50.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $301less	17.5%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $151less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$607/mo	↑ $131more	27.6%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$607/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $34.97more	3.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.8%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$2,391

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.5%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$301

less

📦Other

↓ 7.8%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$151

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 27.6%

Portland, OR

$475

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$131

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.4%

Portland, OR

$663

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$55.76

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.3%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$34.97

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Net difference+$4,125/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,555

To$1,280

↓ $275

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,390

↓ $265

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,660

↓ $240

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$1,990

↓ $600

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$2,732

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Philadelphia

$535K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 55% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Philadelphia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$909

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.3%

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

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.