Philadelphia vs Portland: cost of living compared
Portland is 14% more expensive than Philadelphia overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 8.75% in OR.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing the overall cost of living, Portland is noticeably more expensive than Philadelphia. This difference is largely driven by housing costs, which are significantly higher in Portland. While some daily expenses like utilities might be a bit lower in Portland, and transportation costs are somewhat less, these savings are generally outweighed by the much higher housing prices, making Philadelphia the more budget-friendly option overall for many categories of spending.
Housing
Housing presents a substantial cost difference between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Portland. Philadelphia's housing market is below the national average, offering more affordable options, often including historic rowhomes and a denser urban fabric. Portland's housing, while often newer or more modern, comes at a much greater premium, with a higher cost index well above the national average for both buying and renting.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing also show variation. Portland has a noticeably higher state income tax rate compared to Philadelphia. While transportation costs are somewhat lower in Portland, and utilities are a bit less expensive, food and healthcare expenses are generally higher there. Philadelphia offers a more modest cost for these regular expenditures, making daily living, including groceries and medical care, more affordable on average compared to Portland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these metros means adapting to different environments. Philadelphia, an older East Coast city, offers a distinct four-season climate with hot summers and cold winters, and a dense, walkable urban core with extensive public transit. Portland, on the West Coast, is known for its milder, wetter climate, particularly in winter, and a more relaxed, green atmosphere. Its public transit is robust, but the city often feels less densely packed than Philadelphia.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Philadelphia generally presents a more affordable financial landscape across the board, primarily due to its significantly lower housing costs. While Portland offers some savings in transportation and utilities, these are typically offset by higher prices for homes, rent, food, healthcare, and a considerably higher state income tax. A household budget will stretch further in Philadelphia, making it the more economical choice for many considering these two distinct urban environments.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 112 | 128 |
| Housing index | 91 | 132 |
| Transportation index | 120 | 104 |
| Food index | 105 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 98 |
| Misc index | 102 | 108 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Portland home with the True Cost Calculator.