Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Chicago is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,731 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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