Question 1

Is Phoenix or Portland cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Phoenix, AZ is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $251/month less than in Portland, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,839/mo in Phoenix versus $1,922/mo in Portland.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Phoenix vs Portland?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Phoenix, AZ and $89,000/year in Portland, OR — a difference of about $13,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Phoenix or Portland cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Phoenix, the same answer as for a single person. A four-person household runs about $7,719/month in Phoenix and $8,478/month in Portland, with rent scaled to household size using each city's own bedroom spread.

Question 4

Should I move to Phoenix or Portland?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Phoenix 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	Phoenix62	Portland58
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,171	$4,422
Est. monthly cost (household of 4)	$7,719	$8,478
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$89,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,839	$1,922
Median home value	$381,900	$557,600
Median household income	$77,041	$88,792
Unemployment	4.0%	4.7%
Housing score	44	38
Jobs score	37	26
Safety score	45	53
Climate score	72	93
Amenities score	92	79
Population	1.6M	642.7K
Summer high / winter low	106° / 46°	80° / 38°

Phoenix, AZ vs Portland, OR