Portland vs Austin

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Texas salaries

Living in Portland vs Austin

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Austin sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $430,000 in Austin, a difference of $35,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,700 in Austin.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while Austin scores 96.

Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Austin (97).

Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $75,413 in Austin. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.

Relocating: Portland vs Austin

If you are considering a move between Portland (index: 117) and Austin (index: 107), the 9% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Austin is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Portland can afford $1,328/month, while the median household in Austin can afford $1,760/month. With median homes at $395,000 in Portland versus $430,000 in Austin, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Portland and $1,700/month in Austin, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Austin. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Portland (117) vs Austin (107)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Portland at 117 is 17% above the US average, while Austin at 107 is 7% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

A 10-point index spread separates Portland from Austin, a moderate gap that adds up across monthly bills but is manageable with a typical dual-income household budget. Housing shows the widest single-category margin at 137 versus 123, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Portland and Austin. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Austin with indices of 123 versus 137. Median home prices of $395,000 in Portland and $430,000 in Austin underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Portland has an edge in transportation, while Austin is more affordable for housing and groceries. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $1,700/month in Portland and $1,700/month in Austin, the annual rent difference is approximately $0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $35,000 difference in median home prices between Portland and Austin translates to roughly $2,100 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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