salaryMadison 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
$1,723
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,628
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$84,177
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$372,900
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,541
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$120
$106
👥 People living there
278,001
641,165
Commute to work
19.4 min
24.1 min
College degree
59.9%
53.8%
Own their home
46%
52%
Below poverty line
16.4%
12.7%
Unemployment
2.7%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Madison for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Portland for higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Madison | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $30,910 | $54,780 | +77% in Portland |
| Firefighter | $56,430 | $85,170 | +51% in Portland |
| Electrician | $78,430 | $105,090 | +34% in Portland |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,550 | $83,510 | +29% in Portland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,690 | $82,330 | +29% in Portland |
| Registered Nurse | $101,190 | $130,310 | +29% in Portland |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,550 | $127,360 | +27% in Portland |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,990 | $85,350 | +26% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison or Portland cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $1,874 in Portland.
What salary do I need in Portland to match $60,000 in Madison?
About $65,016 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Madison or Portland?
The typical household earns $84,177 in Madison and $98,056 in Portland, 14% more in Portland.