Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Portland is 12% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $65,878 in Portland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boulder scores 107 while Portland scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Portland.
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