Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Rochester is 28% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $54,231 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $325,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 105 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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