Portland vs El Paso

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 El Paso

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,000 in El Paso.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while El Paso scores 95.

Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than El Paso (89).

Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.

Relocating: Portland vs El Paso

If you are considering a move between Portland (index: 117) and El Paso (index: 85), the 27% cost difference has real implications for your budget. El Paso 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 El Paso can afford $1,110/month. With median homes at $395,000 in Portland versus $185,000 in El Paso, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Portland and $1,000/month in El Paso, renters save significantly in El Paso. 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 further in El Paso where costs are 15% below the national average. 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 El Paso (85)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Portland at 117 is 17% above the US average, while El Paso at 85 is 15% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

Portland costs meaningfully more than El Paso, with a 32-point composite gap that translates to real differences in rent, groceries, and daily expenses. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Portland scores 137 and El Paso scores 69. That 68-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors El Paso with indices of 69 versus 137. Median home prices of $395,000 in Portland and $185,000 in El Paso underscore this gap.

For renters: With median rents of $1,700/month in Portland and $1,000/month in El Paso, the annual rent difference is approximately $8,400. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $42,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $210,000 difference in median home prices between Portland and El Paso translates to roughly $12,600 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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