Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Austin is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,731 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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