salaryHouston is 7% 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
$1,533
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$106
👥 People living there
2,328,253
641,165
Commute to work
27.2 min
24.1 min
College degree
36.6%
53.8%
Own their home
42.1%
52%
Below poverty line
19.9%
12.7%
Unemployment
6.9%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Portland for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $54,780 | +148% in Portland |
| Electrician | $59,180 | $105,090 | +78% in Portland |
| Plumber | $61,300 | $101,010 | +65% in Portland |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $73,710 | +48% in Portland |
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $85,170 | +44% in Portland |
| Medical Assistant | $42,110 | $56,240 | +34% in Portland |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,970 | $50,350 | +33% in Portland |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $83,510 | +31% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or Portland cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $1,874 in Portland.
What salary do I need in Portland to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $64,132 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Houston or Portland?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $98,056 in Portland, 29% more in Portland.