Moving from Boston to Portland (2026)
Portland has a COL index of 125 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 23% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Portland to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 23% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Portland |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,864 |
| $50K | $38,580 |
| $60K | $46,296 |
| $75K | $57,870 |
| $80K | $61,728 |
| $100K | $77,160 |
| $120K | $92,593 |
| $150K | $115,741 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Portland
| Expense | Boston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $418 | $407 |
| Transport | $90 | $100 |
| Utilities | $185 | $130 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $1,520 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,161 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Boston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Portland has a cost of living index of 125 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 23% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Portland?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Portland saves roughly $794/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,528/year.
What salary do I need in Portland to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $57,870/year in Portland. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only