salaryAustin is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Portland to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,932
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$106
👥 People living there
979,539
641,165
Commute to work
23.7 min
24.1 min
College degree
59.6%
53.8%
Own their home
43.4%
52%
Below poverty line
12%
12.7%
Unemployment
4.7%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for higher incomes, cheaper homes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Portland for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $54,780 | +101% in Portland |
| Electrician | $60,390 | $105,090 | +74% in Portland |
| Plumber | $62,810 | $101,010 | +61% in Portland |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $73,710 | +47% in Portland |
| Firefighter | $58,830 | $85,170 | +45% in Portland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,270 | $82,330 | +34% in Portland |
| Registered Nurse | $97,890 | $130,310 | +33% in Portland |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | $50,350 | +31% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Portland cheaper to live in?
Austin is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,932 a month there versus $1,874 in Portland.
What salary do I need in Portland to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $64,500 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Austin or Portland?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $98,056 in Portland, 3% more in Austin.