Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Portland is 21% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $59,091 in Portland.
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. Oakland has a housing index of 264 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Oakland costs $780,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Oakland versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Oakland scores 109 while Portland scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Oakland (113) are higher than Portland (108).
Median household income in Oakland is $73,692 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Portland.
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