Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Portland is 27% more affordable than Cambridge. A $75,000 salary in Cambridge is equivalent to $54,775 in Portland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cambridge has a housing index of 280 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Cambridge costs $890,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $410,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in Cambridge versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cambridge scores 110 while Portland scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Cambridge (118) are higher than Portland (108).
Median household income in Cambridge is $103,154 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Portland.
Amazon affiliate links