Portland vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 16% cheaper than Portland overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT 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
Overall, the cost of living in Portland is noticeably higher than in Salt Lake City. While some expenses are roughly similar, the cumulative effect of higher costs across several categories makes Portland a more expensive place to live. This difference is primarily driven by housing and everyday expenses, which contribute significantly to the overall budget disparity between the two metros.
Housing
Median home prices are roughly similar in both Portland and Salt Lake City, suggesting comparable entry points for homeownership. However, renting a one-bedroom apartment is noticeably more expensive in Portland. Both metros offer a mix of housing types, from urban apartments to suburban homes. Property taxes and insurance costs, while not explicitly detailed, are factors to consider beyond the mortgage.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are all noticeably higher in Portland compared to Salt Lake City. Utilities are roughly similar in both metros. Additionally, Oregon has a state income tax that is significantly higher than Utah's, which will impact take-home pay and overall spending power for residents in Portland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Portland's climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, while Salt Lake City experiences distinct four seasons with colder, snowy winters and hot summers. Portland is known for its extensive public transit options and walkable neighborhoods, fostering a denser, more urban feel. Salt Lake City, while growing, often requires more reliance on personal vehicles, though it also offers access to outdoor recreation.
Bottom line
Moving from Salt Lake City to Portland would generally mean a noticeable increase in household expenses, primarily due to higher costs for housing, transportation, and daily necessities, compounded by a significantly higher state income tax. Conversely, a move from Portland to Salt Lake City would likely result in a more favorable budget, with savings across many categories, allowing for more financial flexibility.
| Measure | Portland, OR | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 108 |
| Housing index | 132 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 89 |
| Food index | 108 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 108 | 95 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 28 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.