Is Portland, OR cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 34.0% more expensive than Raleigh, NC. This translates to spending an extra $2552 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $180,618.557 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 90.5% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $2552 more per month than Raleigh, NC, or $30619 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.6K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $180.6K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 34.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,552

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$30.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$512K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

134

(34% above avg)

Median Home:$535K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Raleigh, NC vs Portland, OR

Category	Raleigh, NC	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $2,235more	90.5%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $437more	34.0%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $218more	12.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $110more	11.5%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$475/mo	↓ $71.03less	13.0%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$663/mo	↑ $61.96more	10.3%

Housing

↑ 90.5%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,235

Transportation

↑ 34.0%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$437

Other

↑ 12.7%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$218

Groceries

↑ 11.5%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$110

All Utilities

↓ 13.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$71.03

less

Healthcare

↑ 10.3%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$61.96

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570

To$1,555

↓ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,655

↑ $15.00

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,900

↑ $100

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,590

↑ $335

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,990

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Portland

$512K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 5% more expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$699

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Additional Tax Information

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.