Is Portland, OR cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 11.1% more expensive than Sacramento, CA. This translates to spending an extra $833 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Sacramento, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $160,000 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sacramento, CA and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 28.4% more expensive than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sacramento, CA to Portland, OR?

Living in Portland, OR costs approximately $833 more per month than Sacramento, CA, or $10000 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento, CA 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 Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $833/month more in Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.0K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 11.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$833

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$460K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

111

(11% above avg)

Median Home:$535K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K 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: Sacramento, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	Sacramento, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,664/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $1,039more	28.4%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $301more	21.2%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $117more	6.5%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$475/mo	↓ $54.64less	10.3%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$663/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.0%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $9.99more	0.9%

Housing

↑ 28.4%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$1,039

Transportation

↑ 21.2%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$301

Other

↑ 6.5%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$117

All Utilities

↓ 10.3%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$54.64

less

Healthcare

↑ 7.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$43.37

Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Sacramento, CA 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$1,690

To$1,555

↓ $135

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,655

↓ $115

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,900

↓ $280

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,590

↓ $310

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$1,456

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Portland

$460K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 16% more expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$407

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

Sacramento, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Sacramento, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.