Question 1

Is Phoenix or Portland cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Phoenix, AZ is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $58/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 $80,000/year before tax in Phoenix, AZ and $89,000/year in Portland, OR — a difference of about $9,000. 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. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,297/month in Phoenix and $10,916/month in Portland, including county-median childcare.

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	Phoenix58	Portland59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,383	$4,441
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,297	$10,916
Salary for comfort	$80,000/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	4.7%	5.2%
Housing score	42	36
Jobs score	24	30
Safety score	45	53
Climate score	72	93
Amenities score	92	79
Population	1.6M	642.7K
Summer high / winter low	106° / 46°	81° / 36°

Phoenix, AZ vs Portland, OR