Denver, CO vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Denver, CO and Portland, OR. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Denver, CO
CO
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 107.4
- Housing RPP
- 145.8
- Goods RPP
- 105.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,201/mo
Colorado flat income tax 4.4%. Denver city tax 2.25% on wages.
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 more expensive than Denver, CO by about 1.3% (RPP 107.4 to 108.8).
$60,000 in Denver, CO
-> $60,782
in Portland, OR
$100,000 in Denver, CO
-> $101,304
in Portland, OR
$150,000 in Denver, CO
-> $151,955
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 Denver, CO?
- Portland, OR (RPP 108.8) is more expensive than Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) by about 1.3%.
- What salary do I need in Portland, OR if I earn $100,000 in Denver, CO?
- You would need approximately $101,304 in Portland, OR to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Denver, CO. Formula: $100,000 x (108.8 / 107.4).