Portland vs Austin

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Austin is roughly 18% more affordable than Portland (index 97 vs 119, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Austin
More affordable overall
18% cheaper than Portland · Cost index: 97 vs 119

Head-to-Head Stats

119Cost Index97
4,645Median Income /mo5,000
65Safety Index35
9.9Income Tax %0
180Internet (Mbps)940
350Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

PortlandCategoryAustin
$1,550/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
11% cheaper →
$1,750/month
$1.28/liter
Meal for One
14% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
13% ← cheaper
$14/meal
$100/month
Monthly Transit Pass
63% ← cheaper
$37/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
3% cheaper →
$170/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
29% ← cheaper
$85/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Portland

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

Austin

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland cheaper than Austin?

Austin is cheaper than Portland. Austin has a cost of living index of 97/100 compared to 119/100 for Portland, making it roughly 18% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Austin than Portland?

Austin is approximately 18% cheaper than Portland based on cost index scores (97 vs 119, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Portland could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,445/month in Austin.

What is the rent comparison between Portland and Austin?

In Portland, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,550/month. In Austin, the equivalent is around $1,750/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Portland or Austin?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Portland offers 180 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Austin offers 940 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Austin has a cost advantage of 18%.

What is the average income in Portland vs Austin?

The median net monthly salary in Portland is approximately $4,645 USD, compared to $5,000 USD in Austin.

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