Median rent is 9% lower in Phoenix ($1,458/mo vs $1,596/mo). Buying is cheaper in Phoenix, where the median home runs $381,900 versus $557,600. Households earn more in Portland ($88,792 vs $77,041 a year). Taken together, Portland is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.6 against 103.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Portland, OR.
City A
Phoenix, AZ
City B
Portland, OR
How much would you need to earn in Portland, OR to maintain your standard of living from Phoenix, AZ?
Equivalent salary in Portland, OR
$74,821
You could earn $179 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Phoenix
Arizona
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Phoenix at $1,458/mo compared to $1,596/mo in Portland (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Portland: the median home is $557,600 versus $381,900 in Phoenix — 32% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% versus 9.90% in Oregon, so Phoenix is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.60% in Arizona and 0.00% in Oregon; Portland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Phoenix
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Portland
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Portland has cleaner air on average: 26.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Portland if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,792/yr).
Pick Portland if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 26.0).
Pick Phoenix if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Phoenix cheaper than Portland?
Portland is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 103.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Portland.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Portland?
Median rent is $1,458/mo in Phoenix, AZ and $1,596/mo in Portland, OR. Phoenix, AZ has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Phoenix or Portland?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix, AZ and $88,792 in Portland, OR. Portland, 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?
Portland, OR has better air quality on average: 26.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Phoenix or Portland?
Arizona's top income tax rate is 2.50% and Oregon's is 9.90%. Phoenix, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Portland to match my Phoenix income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ is equivalent to roughly $99,761 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