salaryPortland is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,874
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,915
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$98,056
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$581,500
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,743
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$106
$168
👥 People living there
641,165
990,138
Commute to work
24.1 min
27.3 min
College degree
53.8%
47.3%
Own their home
52%
55.8%
Below poverty line
12.7%
8.1%
Unemployment
5.8%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Portland for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, less poverty, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Portland | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $155,330 | $301,320 | +94% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $85,170 | $152,100 | +79% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $85,350 | $141,960 | +66% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $130,310 | $216,740 | +66% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $158,890 | $231,560 | +46% in San Jose |
| Police Officer | $97,200 | $136,140 | +40% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $156,000 | $213,110 | +37% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $163,810 | $223,640 | +37% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Portland is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,874 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Portland?
About $62,847 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Portland or San Jose?
The typical household earns $98,056 in Portland and $157,922 in San Jose, 38% more in San Jose.