salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,983
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$106
👥 People living there
2,711,226
641,165
Commute to work
33.1 min
24.1 min
College degree
44.3%
53.8%
Own their home
46%
52%
Below poverty line
16.8%
12.7%
Unemployment
8%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Portland for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $54,780 | +76% in Portland |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $130,310 | +30% in Portland |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $163,810 | +28% in Portland |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,490 | $127,360 | +23% in Portland |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,260 | $123,100 | +23% in Portland |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,740 | $158,890 | +21% in Portland |
| Pharmacist | $140,880 | $168,830 | +20% in Portland |
| Medical Assistant | $47,270 | $56,240 | +19% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Portland cheaper to live in?
Chicago and Portland cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Portland to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $61,058 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Portland?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $98,056 in Portland, 14% more in Portland.