salaryPortland is 10% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,874
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,915
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$98,056
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$581,500
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,743
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$106
$104
👥 People living there
641,165
830,235
Commute to work
24.1 min
30.4 min
College degree
53.8%
60.3%
Own their home
52%
38.2%
Below poverty line
12.7%
11.2%
Unemployment
5.8%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Portland for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Portland | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $85,350 | $123,250 | +44% in San Francisco |
| Registered Nurse | $130,310 | $186,610 | +43% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $158,890 | $219,080 | +38% in San Francisco |
| Lawyer | $155,330 | $212,500 | +37% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $97,200 | $132,000 | +36% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $85,170 | $113,700 | +33% in San Francisco |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $54,780 | $38,860 | -29% in San Francisco |
| Operations Manager | $121,050 | $149,990 | +24% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Portland is about 10% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,874 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Portland?
About $65,801 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Portland or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $98,056 in Portland and $152,036 in San Francisco, 36% more in San Francisco.
More comparisons
All Portland comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →