Portland vs Denver

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Denver is roughly 8% more affordable than Portland (index 61 vs 66, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Denver
More affordable overall
8% cheaper than Portland · Cost index: 61 vs 66

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

66Cost Index61
4,865Median Income /mo4,700
58Safety Index45
9.9Income Tax %22
150Internet (Mbps)150
220Coworking /mo275

Price Breakdown

PortlandCategoryDenver
$1,800/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
4% ← cheaper
$1,722/month
$4.96/liter
Meal for One
6% ← cheaper
$4.64/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$100/month
Monthly Transit Pass
12% ← cheaper
$88/month
$255/month
Utilities (Monthly)
33% ← cheaper
$172/month
$180/visit
Doctor Visit
33% ← cheaper
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Portland

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability73/100

Denver

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$275/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability61/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland cheaper than Denver?

Denver is cheaper than Portland. Denver has a cost of living index of 61/100 compared to 66/100 for Portland (New York = 100), making it roughly 8% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Denver than Portland?

Denver is approximately 8% cheaper than Portland based on cost index scores (61 vs 66, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Portland could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,748/month in Denver.

What is the rent comparison between Portland and Denver?

In Portland, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,800/month. In Denver, the equivalent is around $1,722/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Portland offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$220/month. Denver offers 150 Mbps and coworking at ~$275/month. Denver has a cost advantage of 8%.

What is the average income in Portland vs Denver?

The median net monthly salary in Portland is approximately $4,865 USD, compared to $4,700 USD in Denver.

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