Median rent is 6% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $1,896/mo). Buying is cheaper in Hillsboro, where the median home runs $483,400 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Hillsboro ($103,207 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Hillsboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.6 against 113.0 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Hillsboro, OR.
Quick verdict
Hillsboro is 8% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.6 in Hillsboro vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Hillsboro, OR
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Hillsboro, OR?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$81,767
You'd need $6,767 more (9% 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
Hillsboro
Oregon
New York
New York
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in New York at $1,779/mo compared to $1,896/mo in Hillsboro (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $483,400 in Hillsboro — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% versus 10.90% in New York, so Hillsboro is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 4.00% in New York; Hillsboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Hillsboro
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Hillsboro.
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 103.6 vs 113.0).
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize higher median household income ($103,207/yr).
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize lower state income tax (9.90%).
Is Hillsboro cheaper than New York?
Hillsboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Hillsboro.
How much is rent in Hillsboro vs New York?
Median rent is $1,896/mo in Hillsboro, OR and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Hillsboro or New York?
Median household income is $103,207 in Hillsboro, OR and $79,713 in New York, NY. Hillsboro, OR 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Hillsboro or New York?
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% and New York's is 10.90%. Hillsboro, OR has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Hillsboro income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Hillsboro, OR is equivalent to roughly $109,023 in New York, NY (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