Quick answer
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent ($1,495/mo vs $1,783/mo). State income tax: Oregon (Up to 9.9%) vs New York (Up to 10.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $1,200/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
New York vs Oregon
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
New York vs Oregon at a Glance
| Metric | New York | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,783 | $1,495 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $387K ✓ | $472K |
| Cheapest city | Rochester ($1,050) ✓ | Eugene ($1,400) |
| Priciest city | New York ($3,200) | Portland ($1,590) |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 9.9% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 72/100 ✓ | 57/100 |
| Cities tracked | 3 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Oregon (Up to 9.9%).
Salary $80K
$800
/year saved in Oregon
Salary $120K
$1,200
/year saved in Oregon
Salary $200K
$2,000
/year saved in Oregon
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
New York (NY)
Tax reality
New York state income tax tops out at 10.9% for income over $25M. In NYC, add another 3.876% city tax — so total state+local tops 14.8% for high earners. The infamous "convenience rule" means your employer being in NY can make you owe NY tax even if you moved out of state.
Top cities (3 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Rent absorbs 40-60% of take-home for most NYC residents. Roommates are not an embarrassment — they're the norm well into your 30s for many professions.
- ✕The convenience rule — if your W-2 employer is in NY and you live elsewhere, NY often still taxes you. Consult a CPA before moving if your W-2 says NY.
- ✕Winters are genuinely cold and long. Mid-November through mid-March regularly sees subfreezing temps, salt slush, and 2-4 real snowstorms per year.
Oregon (OR)
Tax reality
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕State income tax at 9.9% (top bracket, kicking in at ~$125K) is among the highest in the US. High earners considering Oregon should compare against Washington's 0% and factor $10,000+/year state tax hit.
- ✕Portland has real livability concerns downtown that haven't fully resolved. Outside central downtown, residential neighborhoods are fine, but the downtown office/retail core is struggling.
- ✕PNW cloud cover runs October-April just like Seattle — 150+ cloudy days per year. Seasonal affective disorder is real for transplants from sunny climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York or Oregon cheaper to live in?
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,495/mo vs $1,783/mo in New York, a $288/mo difference. Home prices: New York median is $387K vs $472K.
New York vs Oregon: which has lower state income tax?
Oregon has lower state income tax (Up to 9.9%) vs Up to 10.9% in New York. On an $80K salary that's $800/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $2,000/year.
Should I move from New York to Oregon?
New York state income tax tops out at 10.9% for income over $25M. In NYC, add another 3.876% city tax — so total state+local tops 14.8% for high earners. The infamous "convenience rule" means your employer being in NY can make you owe NY tax even if you moved out of state.
What are the best cities in New York vs Oregon?
New York's largest metros include New York, Buffalo, Rochester. Oregon's largest metros include Portland, Eugene. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a New York suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.