Question 1

Is Philadelphia or Portland cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $137/month less than in Portland, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,810/mo in Philadelphia versus $1,922/mo in Portland.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Philadelphia vs Portland?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,000/year before tax in Philadelphia, PA and $89,000/year in Portland, OR — a difference of about $5,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Philadelphia or Portland cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,690/month in Philadelphia and $10,916/month in Portland, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Philadelphia or Portland?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Philadelphia costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Philadelphia53	Portland59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,304	$4,441
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,690	$10,916
Salary for comfort	$84,000/yr	$89,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,810	$1,922
Median home value	$232,400	$557,600
Median household income	$60,698	$88,792
Unemployment	4.9%	5.2%
Housing score	45	36
Jobs score	55	30
Safety score	4	53
Climate score	100	93
Amenities score	46	79
Population	1.6M	642.7K
Summer high / winter low	87° / 29°	81° / 36°

Philadelphia, PA vs Portland, OR