Cost of Living in Portland, United States
United States · North America
$3,300
Monthly Cost
avg/person
86
Cost Index
NYC=100
85
Rent Index
NYC=100
72
Quality of Life
Good
48
Safety Index
Below Average
0.6M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $18 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $76 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $11 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $5.8 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $3.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $4.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $11.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $15 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $100 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $33000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $27000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $130 |
| Mobile Plan | $62 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $63 |
| Fitness Club/month | $83 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,100/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,500/mo |
| 3BR Center | $4,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $7,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $5000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
View Cost of Living in United States
Cost of Living in Portland — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Portland, United States is approximately $3,300 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Portland has a cost index of 86, making it around 14% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Portland costs around $1,500/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,100/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $4,100/month. The rent index is 85 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Portland scores 72/100 on the quality of life index and 48/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 74/100. The climate index is 60/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Portland is approximately $5,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 86/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Portland
The average monthly salary in Portland is approximately $5,000. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,300, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 86/100.
Healthcare Costs in Portland
Healthcare quality in Portland is rated 74/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Portland
Portland has a quality of life score of 72/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Portland
Students living in Portland should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Portland
Expats moving to Portland often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Portland, United States is approximately $3,300 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 86 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Portland
Living in Portland offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 86 and a quality of life score of 72/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $5,000 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Portland provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in United States and around the world.
Key Facts About Portland
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,300
- Cost Index: 86
- Rent Index: 85
- Average Salary: $5,000
- Quality of Life: 72/100
- Safety Score: 48/100
- Country: United States
- Currency: USD
Is Portland Expensive?
Portland has a cost index of 86 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Portland compare to other cities?
Portland is located in North America with a population of approximately 0.6M. At a cost index of 86 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Portland stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portland?
The average cost of living in Portland, United States is approximately $3,300 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 86 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Portland?
Rent in Portland varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 85 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Portland alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Portland expensive to live in?
Portland has a cost index of 86 compared to New York City (100). At 86, Portland is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,300.
What is the quality of life in Portland?
Portland has a quality of life index of 72/100 and a safety index of 48/100. The city is located in North America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Portland compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Portland with any city worldwide. Portland's cost index is 86 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Portland?
Many residents live comfortably in Portland with a monthly budget of around $3,300 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Portland good for expats?
Portland is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Portland?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,300 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Portland.
Is Portland cheaper than New York?
Yes, Portland has a cost index of 86 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Portland?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Portland.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Portland
Cheapest Ways to Live in Portland
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Portland typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,500/month compared to $2,100/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Portland, United States.
Is Portland Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 86/100 and a quality of life score of 72/100, Portland is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 86 relative to New York City, Portland remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living United States has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Portland Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Portland", "Portland monthly expenses 2026", and "is Portland affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,300, a safety score of 48/100, and healthcare rated 74/100, Portland offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to United States.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026