🇺🇸 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
| Category | New 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 →