Is Portland expensive to live in?
Median income: $78,476. Median rent: $1,406. Median home price: $462,800.
Relocation guide · Oregon
Moving to Portland, OR
Portland, OR city guide. Population is 647,176. Median household income is $78,476. Median rent is $1,406.
Median Rent
$1,406/mo
Median Income
$78,476
State Tax
9.9%
Population
647,176
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Portland
Median income: $78,476. Median rent: $1,406. Median home price: $462,800.
Median Rent/mo
$1,406
Median Home Price
$462,800
Median Income
$78,476
Rent-to-Income
21%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Oregon
State tax rate: 9.9%. Local tax rate: 0%.
State Income Tax
9.90%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate
Weather in Portland
Average high: 50.49°F. Average low: 46.76°F. Annual rainfall: 0 inches. Sunny days: 0.
Avg High Temp
50.49°F
Avg Low Temp
46.76°F
Sunny Days/yr
0
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Portland
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Portland with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Portland
What is the average rent in Portland?
The median rent in Portland is $1,406/month. Median home price is $462,800. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Oregon have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 9.9%. Local tax rate: 0%.
What is Portland known for?
Portland, OR city guide. Population is 647,176. Median household income is $78,476. Median rent is $1,406.
What should I know before moving to Portland?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Portland has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.