Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Memphis is 35% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $48,462 in Memphis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $325,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Portland scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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