Portland, Oregon has an overall cost of living index of 103.6, which is 3.6 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,596 per month, while the typical home is valued around $557,600. Households earn a median of $88,792 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 26. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$88,792
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,596
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$557,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
103.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
103.6
Goods
101.0
Rents / Housing
98.3
Services
137.3
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
9.90%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
None
No statewide sales tax
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | N/A |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | N/A |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | N/A |
| ⚡Electrician | N/A |
| 📊Accountant | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
642,715
Latest estimate
Median Age
38.6 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
26.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Portland?
Portland has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 103.6. The US national average is 100, so Portland is 3.6 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Portland?
The median gross rent in Portland is $1,596 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland is $88,792 per year.
What is the median home value in Portland?
The median home value in Portland is $557,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Portland?
Portland has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Portland?
Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no statewide sales tax (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology