Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Newark is 7% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $69,808 in Newark.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Newark.
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