Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,731 in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 105 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Salt Lake City (97).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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