Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Fresno is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,731 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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