Portland vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 39% more affordable than Portland (index 73 vs 119, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
39% cheaper than Portland · Cost index: 73 vs 119

Head-to-Head Stats

PortlandvsHouston
119Cost Index73✓
4,645Median Income /mo5,094✓
65✓Safety Index19
9.9Income Tax %0✓
180✓Internet (Mbps)145
350Coworking /mo250✓

Price Breakdown

PortlandCategoryHouston
$1,550/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
13% ← cheaper
$1,350/month
$1.28/liter
Meal for One
12% cheaper →
$1.45/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
25% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$100/month
Monthly Transit Pass
40% ← cheaper
$60/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
18% cheaper →
$200/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
19% cheaper →
$148/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Portland

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

Houston

Internet145 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Portland. Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 119/100 for Portland, making it roughly 39% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Portland?

Houston is approximately 39% cheaper than Portland based on cost index scores (73 vs 119, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Portland could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,840/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Portland and Houston?

In Portland, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,550/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,350/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Portland offers 180 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Houston offers 145 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 39%.

What is the average income in Portland vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Portland is approximately $4,645 USD, compared to $5,094 USD in Houston.

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