Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Asheville is 17% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $62,308 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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