Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Atlanta is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,731 in Atlanta.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Atlanta.
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