Los Angeles vs Portland

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Portland is roughly 28% more affordable than Los Angeles (index 119 vs 166, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Portland
More affordable overall
28% cheaper than Los Angeles · Cost index: 119 vs 166

Head-to-Head Stats

166Cost Index119
3,834Median Income /mo4,645
40Safety Index65
25Income Tax %9.9
242Internet (Mbps)180
300Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

Los AngelesCategoryPortland
$2,839/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
45% ← cheaper
$1,550/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
20% ← cheaper
$1.28/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$16/meal
$122/month
Monthly Transit Pass
18% ← cheaper
$100/month
$245/month
Utilities (Monthly)
33% ← cheaper
$165/month
$164/visit
Doctor Visit
27% ← cheaper
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Los Angeles

Internet242 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability69/100

Portland

Internet180 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles cheaper than Portland?

Portland is cheaper than Los Angeles. Portland has a cost of living index of 119/100 compared to 166/100 for Los Angeles, making it roughly 28% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Portland than Los Angeles?

Portland is approximately 28% cheaper than Los Angeles based on cost index scores (119 vs 166, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Los Angeles could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,151/month in Portland.

What is the rent comparison between Los Angeles and Portland?

In Los Angeles, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,839/month. In Portland, the equivalent is around $1,550/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Los Angeles or Portland?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Los Angeles offers 242 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Portland offers 180 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Portland has a cost advantage of 28%.

What is the average income in Los Angeles vs Portland?

The median net monthly salary in Los Angeles is approximately $3,834 USD, compared to $4,645 USD in Portland.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed