Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Tempe is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,154 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 105 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Tempe (95).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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