Is Portland, OR cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 9.7% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $729 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $141,250 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 10.0% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $729 per month, or $8750 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Diego, CA

Tap to swap

Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $729/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.3K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$729

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.8K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$535K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	San Diego, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $520less	10.0%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$475/mo	↓ $158less	25.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $150more	9.6%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $33.48more	1.8%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$663/mo	↑ $24.78more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $9.99less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 10.0%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$520

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 25.0%

San Diego, CA

$634

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$158

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$150

📦Other

↑ 1.8%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$33.48

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.9%

San Diego, CA

$638

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$24.78

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Diego, 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$2,565

To$1,555

↓ $1,010

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,655

↓ $1,100

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,900

↓ $1,460

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,590

↓ $1,885

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$480

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Portland

$980K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 45% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.