Is Portland, OR cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 35.3% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $2649 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $118,208.955 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 51.3% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $2649 per month, or $31791 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Jose, CA

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Portland, OR

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.2K in Portland, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,649

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.8K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$535K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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: San Jose, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	San Jose, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $4,964less	51.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $314more	22.3%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $100more	5.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,069/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$663/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.1%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$475/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.3%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$4,964

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.3%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$314

📦Other

↑ 5.5%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$100

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.3%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$59.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.1%

San Jose, CA

$706

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.4%

San Jose, CA

$464

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$10.93

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Jose, 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$2,590

To$1,555

↓ $1,035

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,655

↓ $1,295

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,900

↓ $1,545

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$2,590

↓ $1,960

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$4,641

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Portland

$1.35M

Median Value

$535K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 60% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.