Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Portland is 20% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $60,185 in Portland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Portland.
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