Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Phoenix is 23% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $57,692 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Phoenix scores 99 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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