Is Portland, OR cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 34.0% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $2551 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $119,390.863 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 51.9% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $2551 per month, or $30609 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

Tap to swap

Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.4K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,551

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.6K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$535K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	San Francisco, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $5,068less	51.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,721/mo	↓ $437less	20.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $89.93less	7.8%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.7%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$663/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.1%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$475/mo	↑ $27.32more	6.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.9%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$5,068

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.3%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$437

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$89.93

less

📦Other

↑ 2.7%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$50.22

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.1%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.1%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$27.32

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Francisco, 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$2,460

To$1,555

↓ $905

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,655

↓ $1,295

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,900

↓ $1,670

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,590

↓ $1,970

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$5,560

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Portland

$1.25M

Median Value

$535K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 57% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.