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
$1,826
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,712
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$89,248
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$408,000
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,604
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$168
$106
👥 People living there
511,764
641,165
Commute to work
24.7 min
24.1 min
College degree
32.5%
53.8%
Own their home
64.4%
52%
Below poverty line
10.3%
12.7%
Unemployment
4.2%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Portland for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Mesa | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $61,210 | $105,090 | +72% in Portland |
| Plumber | $63,750 | $101,010 | +58% in Portland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $82,330 | +39% in Portland |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $85,170 | +38% in Portland |
| Registered Nurse | $100,830 | $130,310 | +29% in Portland |
| Operations Manager | $98,610 | $121,050 | +23% in Portland |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,770 | $127,360 | +23% in Portland |
| Carpenter | $60,320 | $73,710 | +22% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa or Portland cheaper to live in?
Mesa 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 Mesa?
About $61,222 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Mesa or Portland?
The typical household earns $89,248 in Mesa and $98,056 in Portland, 9% more in Portland.