Is Portland, OR cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 30.0% more expensive than Richmond, VA. This translates to spending an extra $2250 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Richmond, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $177,000 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richmond, VA and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 84.7% more expensive than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Richmond, VA to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $2250 more per month than Richmond, VA, or $27000 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.3K/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $177.0K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Richmond, VA area

Overall Cost

↑ 30.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,250

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$27.0K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$350K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

130

(30% above avg)

Median Home:$535K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K residents.

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: Richmond, VA vs Portland, OR

Category	Richmond, VA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,547/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $2,157more	84.7%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $437more	34.0%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $167more	9.5%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $110more	11.5%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$475/mo	↓ $98.36less	17.1%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$663/mo	↑ $30.98more	4.9%

Housing

↑ 84.7%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,157

Transportation

↑ 34.0%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$437

Other

↑ 9.5%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$167

Groceries

↑ 11.5%

Richmond, VA

$959

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$110

All Utilities

↓ 17.1%

Richmond, VA

$574

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$98.36

less

Healthcare

↑ 4.9%

Richmond, VA

$632

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$30.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Richmond, VA 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$1,490

To$1,555

↑ $65.00

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,655

↑ $95.00

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,900

↑ $190

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,590

↑ $450

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$2,804

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Portland

$350K

Median Value

$535K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$234K - $619K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 53% more expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$595

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.8%

Rate difference

Richmond, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.