Moving from Portland to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,040 |
| $50K | $48,800 |
| $60K | $58,560 |
| $75K | $73,200 |
| $80K | $78,080 |
| $100K | $97,600 |
| $120K | $117,120 |
| $150K | $146,400 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Austin
| Expense | Portland | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $407 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $50 |
| Utilities | $130 | $170 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $2,284 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $145 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Portland — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Austin saves roughly $719/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,628/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $73,200/year in Austin. 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