ReloMath

Portland, OR vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Portland, OR and San Diego, CA. 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.

San Diego, CA

CA

Overall RPP (US=100)
114.5
Housing RPP
183.9
Goods RPP
108.2
2-BR median rent
$2,833/mo

California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.

Equivalent salary

San Diego, CA is more expensive than Portland, OR by about 5.2% (RPP 108.8 to 114.5).

$60,000 in Portland, OR

-> $63,143

in San Diego, CA

$100,000 in Portland, OR

-> $105,239

in San Diego, CA

$150,000 in Portland, OR

-> $157,858

in San Diego, CA

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 San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Portland, OR?
San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Portland, OR (RPP 108.8) by about 5.2%.
What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Portland, OR?
You would need approximately $105,239 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Portland, OR. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 108.8).