Quick answer
Chicago is 24% cheaper than Portland overall. A $100K salary in Portland is equivalent to $76,000 in Chicago.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Portland vs Chicago Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Chicago is 24% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+16% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$76,000
Portland vs Chicago: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,590/mo
$1,850/mo
+16%
2BR median rent
$1,980/mo
$2,350/mo
+19%
Median home price
$498K
$340K
-32%
Avg monthly groceries
$400
$390
-3%
Avg monthly utilities
$120
$155
+29%
State income tax
Up to 9.9%
4.95%
Chicago saves
Walk score
67/100
78/100
Chicago better
Transit score
51/100
65/100
Chicago better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living as your current Portland salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$46,000
$79,000
$80,000
$61,000
$105,000
$100,000
$76,000
$131,000
$120,000
$92,000
$157,000
$150,000
$115,000
$196,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Portland vs Chicago
Who Each City Is Best For
Portland is best for
- ✓cyclists
- ✓foodies
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓creatives
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
FAQs
Is Portland or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chicago is 24% cheaper than Portland overall. Chicago 1BR rent ($1,850/mo) vs Portland ($1,590/mo). Median home price: Chicago $340K vs Portland $498K.
How much salary do I need in Chicago to match $100K in Portland?
$76,000 in Chicago is equivalent to $100,000 in Portland based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+16% difference) and state taxes (Portland: Up to 9.9% vs Chicago: 4.95%).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Chicago?
1BR: Portland $1,590/mo vs Chicago $1,850/mo (+16%). 2BR: Portland $1,980/mo vs Chicago $2,350/mo (+19%).
Does Portland or Chicago have lower taxes?
Portland (OR) has Up to 9.9% state income tax. Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,950.