Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Portland earns roughly $136,271/yr (~$6,865/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,590/mo — that's 23% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
OR · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Portland?
Using local salary estimates and Portland's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Portland, OR in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$136,271/yr local estimate
$11,356
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
Up to 9.9% state income tax
-$4,491
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,865
1BR rent
23% of take-home
-$1,590
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$120
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$400
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$4,405
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Portland could save roughly $21,144/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 23% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 23% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Portland is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $136,271/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Portland's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Portland for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Alberta Arts District
Street murals, food carts, independent boutiques, community events. Quintessential Portland without Pearl District prices. NE Portland's creative anchor. More affordable than the westside.
Division Street / Richmond
Best restaurant density in the city. Division Street has quietly become one of the best dining streets in the US. The residential blocks behind it are quiet and relatively affordable.
Pearl District
Converted industrial lofts, Powell's Books, galleries, walkable shopping. Portland's most urban neighborhood. Expensive but genuinely walkable and well-served by the MAX light rail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Portland?
A Physician Assistant in Portland earns approximately $136,271 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Portland's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Portland affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 23% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Portland with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Portland?
After federal taxes, Up to 9.9% state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $136,271/yr takes home roughly $6,865/month in Portland.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Portland?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Portland costs a median of $1,590/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 23% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.