Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Columbus is 28% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $53,654 in Columbus.
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. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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