Quick answer
The average 1-bedroom rent in Portland is $1,590/month and the median home price is $498K. Monthly utilities average $120 and groceries run about $400/month per person.
City Guide · OR
Cost of Living in Portland, OR (2026)
Portland is renowned for its independent coffee shops, food cart culture, bookstores, and outdoor access to Mount Hood and the Oregon Coast. The city leans progressive, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and local business. Mild, rainy winters are offset by spectacular summers.
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Portland Cost of Living at a Glance
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,590
avg/month
2BR Monthly Rent
$1,980
avg/month
Median Home Price
$498K
as of 2025
Avg Utilities
$120
per month
Avg Groceries
$400
per person/month
Walk Score
67/100
Transit: 51/100
Compared to US national average
1BR rent: +6% vs. national avg ($1,500)
Home price: +19% vs. national avg ($420K)
Best Neighborhoods in Portland
Alberta Arts District
Street murals, food carts, quirky boutiques — quintessential Portland
Pearl District
Upscale converted lofts, galleries, walkable shopping
Hawthorne
Bookstores, cafes, vintage shops, college-town vibe
Division Street
Restaurant row, lively dining, relatively affordable
Sellwood
Quiet, antique shops, river access, family-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Portland have an income tax?
Oregon has no sales tax, but state income taxes are high (up to 9.9%). Portland also has local Metro and Multnomah County income taxes on higher earners.
Is Portland still affordable in 2025?
Portland remains more affordable than Seattle or San Francisco. 1BR rents average $1,590/month, and the no-sales-tax policy on purchases partially offsets the income tax burden.
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