salaryPortland is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,874
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,915
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$98,056
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$581,500
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,743
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$106
$131
👥 People living there
641,165
1,389,526
Commute to work
24.1 min
23.5 min
College degree
53.8%
51%
Own their home
52%
47.3%
Below poverty line
12.7%
11%
Unemployment
5.8%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Portland for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Portland | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $54,780 | $35,850 | -35% in San Diego |
| Plumber | $101,010 | $72,510 | -28% in San Diego |
| Electrician | $105,090 | $76,160 | -28% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $82,330 | $97,000 | +18% in San Diego |
| Firefighter | $85,170 | $70,900 | -17% in San Diego |
| HVAC Technician | $65,260 | $74,880 | +15% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $155,330 | $178,220 | +15% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $97,200 | $110,400 | +14% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Portland is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,874 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Portland?
About $63,680 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Portland or San Diego?
The typical household earns $98,056 in Portland and $116,561 in San Diego, 16% more in San Diego.