Median rent is 30% lower in Portland ($1,596/mo vs $2,275/mo). Buying is cheaper in Portland, where the median home runs $557,600 versus $864,800. Households earn more in Arlington ($140,160 vs $88,792 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 103.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Portland, OR
How much would you need to earn in Portland, OR to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Portland, OR
$75,162
You'd need $162 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
Portland
Oregon
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Portland — median rent of $1,596/mo versus $2,275/mo in Arlington, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $864,800 versus $557,600 in Portland — 36% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 9.90% in Oregon, so Arlington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 0.00% in Oregon; Portland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Portland
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Portland has cleaner air on average: 26.0 AQI (Good) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,160/yr).
Pick Portland if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,596/mo median).
Pick Portland if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 26.0).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Arlington cheaper than Portland?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 103.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Portland?
Median rent is $2,275/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,596/mo in Portland, OR. Portland, OR has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Portland?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington, VA and $88,792 in Portland, OR. Arlington, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Portland, OR has better air quality on average: 26.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Portland?
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% and Oregon's is 9.90%. Arlington, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Portland to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $100,217 in Portland, OR (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology