Boston, MA vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Portland, OR. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Boston, MA
MA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 112
- Housing RPP
- 150.3
- Goods RPP
- 110.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,827/mo
Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.
Portland, OR
OR
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 108.8
- Housing RPP
- 128.5
- Goods RPP
- 109.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,024/mo
Oregon income tax 4.75%-9.9%. No state sales tax.
Equivalent salary
Portland, OR is cheaper than Boston, MA by about 2.9% (RPP 112 to 108.8).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $58,286
in Portland, OR
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $97,143
in Portland, OR
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $145,714
in Portland, OR
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Portland, OR cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
- Portland, OR (RPP 108.8) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 2.9%.
- What salary do I need in Portland, OR if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $97,143 in Portland, OR to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (108.8 / 112).