Welcome to our guide about the cost of living in Portland, Oregon. Whether you're considering moving here, just visiting, or a long-time local wanting to explore new areas, we have the info you need on Portland living expenses. We'll break down everything from housing prices in different neighborhoods to grocery and healthcare costs. Let's dive in and get you prepared for life in Portland!

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Portland, OR

• Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Portland, OR

• Other Living Expenses in Portland, OR

  • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Portland

  • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Portland

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Portland

  • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Portland

  • Tax Rates in the Portland Area

  • Recreation Costs in Portland, Oregon

• Average Salary in Portland, OR

• Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Portland by Neighborhood

• Conclusion

Cost of Living in Portland, OR

Portland is one of the most unique cities in the U.S. With its mountain views and riverside location, its non-existent sales tax, and an incredible culinary scene, this quirky city is a desirable destination. However, all that comes with a higher price tag. 

According to the cost of living index, Portland, Oregon, living expenses are 20% higher than the national average and 10% higher than the state average, reports RentCafe® as of March 2024. 

Now, to comfortably cover living expenses in Portland, Oregon, let's talk about what you'll need to earn. As of February 2024, if you're flying solo, the Living Wage Calculator from MIT estimates you’ll need around $27 per hour to make ends meet in the Portland metro area. But for a household of four, two working adults and two children, MIT finds that $33 an hour per adult is necessary.

If you’re looking at your income needs through a yearly lens, MIT’s February 2024 data reveals that after taxes, the annual living wage in Portland, Oregon, for a single adult should be about $46,576 to cover the basics. Meanwhile, a household with two working adults and two kids needs around $117,264 annually.

Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Portland, OR

If you've got your mind set on owning a slice of the Portland real estate market, here's the scoop on home prices. According to Redfin®, as of February 2024, home prices in Portland experienced a modest downward trend of 1.0% compared to one year ago, with a $480K median sale price. Redfin rates the city as having a moderately competitive market.

For those currently holding off on homeownership, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Portland is $1,467, per Apartments.com® for March 2024, putting the city at 2% lower than the national average. A two-bedroom averages around $1,734 monthly, while a three-bedroom is about $2,056 or more.

Other Living Expenses in Portland, OR

Now, let’s dive into some of the day-to-day expenses that factor into the cost of living for Portland, Oregon, including groceries, transportation, health care, utilities, and more.

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Portland

Food in Portland is a big deal. Thanks to its exciting culinary scene, this city offers a smorgasbord of options for both grocery shopping and dining out.

First, we’ll look at the cost of stocking your pantry since groceries are a big part of any budget. According to RentCafe’s March 2024 data, grocery prices in Portland are about 10% higher than the national average, offering this breakdown of what you can expect to pay for some essentials: 

• A loaf of bread: $4.61

• A gallon of milk: $5.04

• A carton of eggs: $4.58

• Bananas per pound: $0.84

For its February 2024 living wage estimates, MIT finds food expenses for one adult average around $4,689 annually, while a household of two working adults and two children may spend approximately $13,781. 

If you’d like someone else to do the cooking and want to sample Portland’s renowned cuisine, start your day with a pastry at a local favorite like VooDoo Donuts. Whether you crave a classic glazed or are feeling adventurous by trying their signature bacon maple bar, prices range from $1.25 to $5.50 per donut—and it’s totally worth it.

For lunch or a take-home meal, food carts are a popular option. Grab a delicious hand-pressed taco at Tito’s Taquitos for $3.75 or a plate of tasty taquitos for around $14. And if you feel like splurging on dinner, the entrees at Chart House range from $27 to $50.

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Portland

There are several ways to get around town in Portland, thanks to bike-friendly streets and an efficient public transit system. To travel by bus or train in the city, TriMet charges adults a fee of $2.80 for a two-and-a-half-hour pass, $5.60 for a day pass, and $100 for a monthly pass in 2024. TriMet offers a significant discount for youth and senior fares. 

Should you prefer to do your own driving, as of March 2024, a gallon of gas in Portland averages $4.16, according to RentCafe, while a tire balance runs about $84.45.

MIT finds annual transportation costs for one adult average $9,731, while a household of two working adults with two children pays roughly $16,323. 

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Portland

RentCafe notes that as of March 2024, health care in Portland runs about 10% higher than the national average. For specific medical visits in Portland, RentCafe shares these average costs: 

• Doctor's visit: $188.49

• Dental appointment: $115.08

• Optometrist exam: $131.94

According to MIT, as of February 2024, annual medical costs average $2,324 for one adult and $7,825 for a household of two working adults and two children in Portland. 

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Portland

Naturally, utilities contribute to the cost to live in Portland, Oregon. Per RentCafe, utilities are 4% lower than the national average as of March 2024, with the average energy bill in Portland around $182.73 monthly and phone bills averaging 190.36 each month. The Portland government website states that in a combined utility bill for a single-family home, water costs around $56.22 monthly in 2024. 

For internet services, Forbes® reports that costs vary and can range from $20–$60 monthly as of January 2024, depending on the provider. MIT estimates that the annual cost of internet and mobile services for a single adult in Portland is around $2,158, and a household of two working adults and two children can expect to pay approximately $2,753 annually as of February 2024. 

Tax Rates in the Portland Area

One of the biggest perks to living or visiting Portland is no sales tax. However, income taxes are part of the Portland, Oregon, price of living. 

Oregon’s individual income tax rates range from 4.75% to 9.90%, per the Tax Foundation’s 2024 data. Some areas also collect local income taxes, so you’ll want to check the specifics based on your location. Overall, MIT reports a single adult in Portland can expect to pay around $9,667 in annual taxes, while a household of two working adults and two children may owe approximately $21,086.

For businesses, Oregon imposes a corporate income tax rate ranging from 6.60% to 7.60%, along with a gross receipts tax. 

Recreation Costs in Portland, Oregon

Portland offers an abundance of fun things to do throughout the city. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Portland and their respective costs: 

• Portland Japanese Garden: This Portland hot spot charges $22 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, $15.95 for youth ages 6–17, and children are free.

• Oregon Zoo: Experience the wonder of wildlife up close with tickets at $24 for adults and $19 for children ages 9–11.

• International Rose Test Garden: Admission is free for everyone to enjoy over 610 rose varieties. 

• Pittock Mansion: General admission to see this historic house is $15.50 for adults, $13.50 for seniors, and $11.50 for children ages 6 and above.

• Portland Art Museum: The entry fee to view the museum’s many exhibitions is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, and free for children.

Average Salary in Portland, OR

As of March 2024, the average annual salary in Portland is $69,817, according to ZipRecruiter®, which is roughly $33.57 hourly, $1,342 weekly, or $5,818 monthly. 

Like many major U.S. cities, salaries in Portland vary across different industries and job roles. According to MIT, in February 2024, annual salaries range from $36,570 for roles in food prep and serving fields to $125,450 for those in management positions. Most yearly earnings in Portland fall between $50,918–$87,110, per ZipRecruiter.

Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Portland by Neighborhood

From the trendy streets of the Alberta Arts District to the peaceful pocket of Sellwood-Moreland, each neighborhood brings its own flair and price tag when constructing your dream house. Let's explore the average cost of new construction homes in Portland, OR.

Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is the city’s central business district and cultural hub, characterized by its eclectic mix of skyscrapers, historic buildings, restaurants, quirky shops, and urban parks. Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as the "living room" of Portland, hosts events and gatherings year-round, while the adjacent Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers beautiful views of the Willamette River.

The cost of a new construction home in downtown Portland, according to NewHomeSource® in March 2024, ranges from $1.1M to $8.9M. Our new construction homes in North Bethany, about 12 miles from downtown at Abbey Woods Terrace, start in the upper $700Ks.

Northeast Portland

In Northeast Portland, you'll find a blend of charming neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District and Mississippi Avenue, each with a distinct atmosphere and attractions, from cozy cafes to boutique shops. With plenty of parks and bike paths, it's an inviting area for residents to enjoy the best of urban living.

In March 2024, NewHomeSource finds new construction homes in Northeast Portland ranging from the low $400Ks to $1.1M. Our new construction homes in North Bethany, about 14 miles from Northeast Portland at Abbey Woods Terrace, start in the upper $700Ks.

Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland is a diverse and eclectic area known for its unique neighborhoods like Hawthorne, Belmont, and Division Street. Along with a mix of vintage stores, coffee shops, and delicious eateries, there are lots of activities and events. Plus, access to parks and bike-friendly streets makes it ideal for outdoors enthusiasts.

The cost of a new construction home in Southeast Portland, according to NewHomeSource in March 2024, ranges from the mid $300Ks to the upper $500Ks. Our new construction homes in Wilsonville, OR, about 24 miles from Southeast Portland at Frog Pond, start in the upper $600Ks.

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland offers a blend of historic charm and modern builds. From the trendy boutiques and eateries of the Pearl District to the classic architecture of Nob Hill, there's something for everyone. With parks, galleries, and iconic landmarks like Forest Park, it's a lively area that captures the essence of Portland's unique spirit.

Per NewHomeSource, as of March 2024, the cost of a new construction home in Northwest Portland ranges from the mid $400Ks to $1.6M. Our new construction homes in North Bethany, about 9 miles from Northwest Portland at Abbey Woods Terrace, start in the upper $700Ks.

Western Suburbs of Portland

West of Portland, you'll discover a mix of scenery and suburbia. Areas like Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard offer a relaxed lifestyle with convenient access to the city. Its many parks, shopping centers, and quality schools make it a welcoming region for residents to call home.

The cost of a new construction home in the suburbs to the west and southwest of Portland, according to NewHomeSource in March 2024, ranges from the upper $300Ks to $1.1M. Our new construction homes in North Bethany at Abbey Woods Terrace start in the upper $700Ks.

Conclusion

The average cost of living in Portland, Oregon, may be higher than other big cities in the U.S., but it’s also a truly unique area. With proximity to so many attractions, major employers, scenic outdoor areas, and lovely neighborhoods along the Willamette River, the Portland lifestyle offers much to experience, explore, and enjoy. 

Explore new construction homes in Portland, OR, today or browse more Pulte® blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 2/14/25