Portland, Oregon has an overall cost of living index of 101.5, which is 1.5 points above the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,655 per month, while the typical home is valued around $581,500. Households earn a median of $90,919 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 26. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$90,919
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,655
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$581,500
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
101.5
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
101.5
Goods
98.4
Rents / Housing
99.0
Services
147.3
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $128,780 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $99,520 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $78,320 |
| ⚡Electrician | $71,230 |
| 📊Accountant | $96,450 |
| 🔧Plumber | $75,880 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $240,800 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $114,510 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $132,540 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $81,300 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $134,250 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $58,380 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $126,110 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
641,165
Latest estimate
Median Age
38.8 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
26.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
N/A
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$1,708
Per month
Avg Home Value
$781,180
Census ACS
January Avg
42°F
July Avg
70°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Temperate · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
31.9
poor
Hospitals
9
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
94.8%
What is the cost of living index for Portland?
Portland has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 101.5. The US national average is 100, so Portland is 1.5 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Portland?
The median gross rent in Portland is $1,655 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland is $90,919 per year.
What is the median home value in Portland?
The median home value in Portland is $581,500 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?
Tax data for Oregon is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
