Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Cincinnati is 30% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $52,500 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cincinnati scores 99 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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