Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Provo is 20% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $60,000 in Provo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 105 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Provo (97).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Provo.
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