🇺🇸 New York vs 🇺🇸 Portland

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

New York

United States

$3,077–$4,872/mo

$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Portland

United States

$2,431–$3,849/mo

$2,431 – $3,849 / month (local)

New York is 27% more expensive

Portland wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryNew York (USD)Portland (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,308–$3,590$1,823–$2,836🟢 Portland
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,218–$1,923$962–$1,519🟢 Portland
Utilities$96–$186$76–$147🟢 Portland
Groceries$487–$731$385–$577🟢 Portland
Eating out (mid-range meal)$64–$115$51–$91🟢 Portland
Public transport (monthly)$122–$147$96–$116🟢 Portland
Internet & Mobile$38–$64$30–$51🟢 Portland
Gym membership$45–$83$35–$66🟢 Portland
Cinema ticket$18–$23$14–$18🟢 Portland
Monthly total (single)$3,077–$4,872$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

Housing2.7 / 10 · 4.6 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
New York
Portland▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose New York if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Portland
  • Career opportunities
  • Culture
  • Transit
  • Finance

Choose Portland if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
  • Food scene
  • No sales tax
  • Nature
  • Creatives

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📊

Full New York guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore New York

📊

Full Portland guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Portland