🇺🇸 Philadelphia vs 🇺🇸 Portland
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Philadelphia
United States
$2,277–$3,605/mo
$2,277 – $3,605 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Portland
United States
$2,431–$3,849/mo
$2,431 – $3,849 / month (local)
Portland is 7% more expensive
Philadelphia wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Philadelphia (USD) | Portland (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,708–$2,656 | $1,823–$2,836 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $901–$1,423 | $962–$1,519 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Utilities | $71–$138 | $76–$147 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Groceries | $361–$541 | $385–$577 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $47–$85 | $51–$91 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Public transport (monthly) | $90–$109 | $96–$116 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$47 | $30–$51 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Gym membership | $33–$62 | $35–$66 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,277–$3,605 | $2,431–$3,849 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
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
Housing4.3 / 10 · 4.6 / 10
Philadelphia
Portland▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Philadelphia▲ better
Portland
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Philadelphia
Portland▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Philadelphia
Portland▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Philadelphia
Portland▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Philadelphia
Portland▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Philadelphia
Portland▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Philadelphia
Portland▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Portland
- ✓History
- ✓Value vs NYC
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
Choose Portland if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Portland offers vs Philadelphia
- ✓Food scene
- ✓No sales tax
- ✓Nature
- ✓Creatives
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📊
Full Philadelphia guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Philadelphia →📊
Full Portland guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Portland →