Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Denver is 9% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $68,077 in Denver.
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. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Denver.
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