Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 20.6% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1546 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $131,446.154 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 40.7% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Portland, OR to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $1546 per month, or $18554 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Portland, OR

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.4K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 20.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,546

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.6K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:79

Median Home:$414K

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, OR vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Portland, OR	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $1,915less	40.7%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $248less	12.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $232less	13.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$963/mo	↓ $106less	9.9%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$561/mo	↑ $85.79more	18.0%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$589/mo	↓ $74.35less	11.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 40.7%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,915

less

📦Other

↓ 12.9%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$248

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.5%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$232

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.9%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$106

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 18.0%

Portland, OR

$475

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$85.79

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.2%

Portland, OR

$663

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$74.35

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Phoenix, AZ 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$1,390

↓ $165

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,510

↓ $145

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,750

↓ $150

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,330

↓ $260

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,490

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Phoenix

$535K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 23% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$857

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.9%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.