Quick answer
Portland is 1% cheaper than Boston overall. A $100K salary in Boston is equivalent to $99,000 in Portland.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Boston vs Portland Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Portland is 1% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-39% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$99,000
Boston vs Portland: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$2,600/mo
$1,590/mo
-39%
2BR median rent
$3,400/mo
$1,980/mo
-42%
Median home price
$720K
$498K
-31%
Avg monthly groceries
$420
$400
-5%
Avg monthly utilities
$160
$120
-25%
State income tax
5%
Up to 9.9%
Boston saves
Walk score
83/100
67/100
Boston better
Transit score
75/100
51/100
Boston better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Portland to maintain the same standard of living as your current Boston salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$60,000
$60,000
$80,000
$80,000
$80,000
$100,000
$99,000
$101,000
$120,000
$119,000
$121,000
$150,000
$149,000
$151,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Boston vs Portland
Who Each City Is Best For
Boston is best for
- ✓biotech / pharma professionals
- ✓academics / researchers
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓finance professionals
Portland is best for
- ✓cyclists
- ✓foodies
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓creatives
FAQs
Is Boston or Portland cheaper to live in?
Portland is 1% cheaper than Boston overall. Portland 1BR rent ($1,590/mo) vs Boston ($2,600/mo). Median home price: Portland $498K vs Boston $720K.
How much salary do I need in Portland to match $100K in Boston?
$99,000 in Portland is equivalent to $100,000 in Boston based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-39% difference) and state taxes (Boston: 5% vs Portland: Up to 9.9%).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Portland?
1BR: Boston $2,600/mo vs Portland $1,590/mo (-39%). 2BR: Boston $3,400/mo vs Portland $1,980/mo (-42%).
Does Boston or Portland have lower taxes?
Boston (MA) has 5% state income tax. Portland (OR) has Up to 9.9% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,900.