Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Madison is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,154 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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