ReloMath

Portland, OR vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Portland, OR and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

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.

Houston, TX

TX

Overall RPP (US=100)
98.8
Housing RPP
108
Goods RPP
97.9
2-BR median rent
$1,357/mo

Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.

Equivalent salary

Houston, TX is cheaper than Portland, OR by about 9.2% (RPP 108.8 to 98.8).

$60,000 in Portland, OR

-> $54,485

in Houston, TX

$100,000 in Portland, OR

-> $90,809

in Houston, TX

$150,000 in Portland, OR

-> $136,213

in Houston, TX

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 Houston, TX cheaper or more expensive than Portland, OR?
Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Portland, OR (RPP 108.8) by about 9.2%.
What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Portland, OR?
You would need approximately $90,809 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Portland, OR. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 108.8).