🇺🇸 Los Angeles vs 🇺🇸 Portland
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Portland
United States
$2,431–$3,849/mo
$2,431 – $3,849 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 16% more expensive
Portland wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles (USD) | Portland (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $1,823–$2,836 | 🟢 Portland |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $962–$1,519 | 🟢 Portland |
| Utilities | $88–$171 | $76–$147 | 🟢 Portland |
| Groceries | $448–$672 | $385–$577 | 🟢 Portland |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $59–$106 | $51–$91 | 🟢 Portland |
| Public transport (monthly) | $112–$136 | $96–$116 | 🟢 Portland |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $30–$51 | 🟢 Portland |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $35–$66 | 🟢 Portland |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Portland |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,831–$4,482 | $2,431–$3,849 | 🟢 Portland |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.1 / 10 · 4.6 / 10
Los Angeles
Portland▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
Portland
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Los Angeles
Portland▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Los Angeles
Portland▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Los Angeles
Portland▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Los Angeles
Portland▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Los Angeles
Portland▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Los Angeles
Portland▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Portland
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
Choose Portland if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓Food scene
- ✓No sales tax
- ✓Nature
- ✓Creatives
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Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →📊
Full Portland guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Portland →