Is Portland, OR cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 35.1% more expensive than Rochester, NY. This translates to spending an extra $2629 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Rochester, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $181,552.948 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NY and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 123.1% more expensive than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NY to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $2629 more per month than Rochester, NY, or $31553 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $181.6K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Rochester, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 35.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,629

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$31.6K

Per year

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$198K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

135

(35% above avg)

Median Home:$535K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K 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: Rochester, NY vs Portland, OR

Category	Rochester, NY	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,108/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $2,596more	123.1%
Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $406more	30.9%
Other	$1,738/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $187more	10.8%
All Utilities	$631/mo	$475/mo	↓ $155less	24.6%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$663/mo	↑ $115more	21.0%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $40.41more	3.9%

Housing

↑ 123.1%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,596

Transportation

↑ 30.9%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$406

Other

↑ 10.8%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$187

All Utilities

↓ 24.6%

Rochester, NY

$631

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$155

less

Healthcare

↑ 21.0%

Rochester, NY

$548

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$115

Groceries

↑ 3.9%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$40.41

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Rochester, NY 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$1,157

To$1,555

↑ $398

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,655

↑ $346

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,900

↑ $267

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$2,590

↑ $622

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$3,189

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Portland

$198K

Median Value

$535K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 171% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$497

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.