How much does it cost to live in Portland?

Typical monthly costs in Portland are approximately $1,800 in rent and $1,800 in other expenses, totalling around $3,600/month.

How much should I save in Portland?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a high cost city like Portland, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

Portland · USD · high cost city

Cost of living in Portland — is your salary enough?

Portland median rent is around $1,800/month; relatively affordable versus Seattle despite a similar economic profile. Portland earners face Oregon's high income tax, reducing take-home pay and effective savings rates versus gross income benchmarks.

Rent in Portland

Budget$1,400 – $1,600/mo

Typical$1,800 – $2,050/mo

Premium$2,300+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$1,800/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$3,600/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical Portland costs ($1,800 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving -16.6%

Critical

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving 6.4%

Under-Saving

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 30.5%

Ahead

See your personal verdict for Portland

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$1,800/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

Check your savings rate in Portland →

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your Portland salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your Portland rent too high?