salaryPortland is 3% 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
$3,112
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$106
👥 People living there
666,442
641,165
Commute to work
30.3 min
24.1 min
College degree
54.9%
53.8%
Own their home
35.7%
52%
Below poverty line
16.6%
12.7%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Portland for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $54,780 | +39% in Portland |
| Electrician | $79,910 | $105,090 | +32% in Portland |
| Police Officer | $78,180 | $97,200 | +24% in Portland |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $130,310 | +23% in Portland |
| Pharmacist | $139,660 | $168,830 | +21% in Portland |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | $123,100 | +21% in Portland |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $65,260 | -17% in Portland |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $85,350 | -17% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Portland cheaper to live in?
Portland is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,874 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Portland to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $58,423 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Portland?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $98,056 in Portland, 7% more in Boston.