Medford vs Portland
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Medford
Portland
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 9.4%, with Medford being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Medford has equivalent purchasing power to $82,783 in Portland.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Medford has the same purchasing power as $82,783 in Portland.
Conversely, $75,000 in Portland equals $67,949 in Medford.
Living in Medford vs Portland
Housing Costs
Medford's housing index of 139 is higher Portland's 137, translating to median home prices of $406,000 vs $395,000. The $11,000 difference in home prices means roughly $720 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,375/mo in Medford compared to $1,700/mo in Portland, a monthly difference of $325.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 108 in Medford and 107 in Portland. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $513/month in Medford vs $508/month in Portland. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Medford and 111 in Portland. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Medford vs $444 in Portland. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 100 in Medford and 110 in Portland. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,200 in Medford and $56,895 in Portland. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,057 and $48,628 respectively. Medford residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,708/month to housing in Medford vs $1,328/month in Portland. In Medford, median rent of $1,375/mo fits within this budget. In Portland, median rent of $1,700/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 14 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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