Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Springfield is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,731 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 105 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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