Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Portland is 9% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $68,555 in Portland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 107 while Riverside scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Riverside (102).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Portland.
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