Cost of living in Portland
Portland, Oregon, known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, is a city that attracts many with its unique charm. Understanding the cost of living in Portland is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19.5 on average, with a range between $12 and $38.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $60 to $144.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9.5 and $12.99.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $3.75 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.45 per liter, averaging $1.05.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.28 and $7.71, with an average price of $4.14.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.99, averaging $3.86.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.14 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.57 and $5.49 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $3.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $2.8, with a monthly pass priced at $100.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.97 and $1.29 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.8, with a cost of $1.74 to $1.99 per km and $30 to $36 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $2200, averaging $1793.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1350 to $2200, averaging $1534.83.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2700 to $4500, averaging $3311.36.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $3300, averaging $2647.73.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3282.99 to $4090.29, averaging $3648.47.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3282.99 to $3390.63, averaging $3320.7.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $140 and $380, averaging $228.81.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $95, with an average cost of $64.16.
Cost of Living Rankings
Portland ranks 20th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Portland offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Portland are relatively moderate, though some items like local cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Transportation costs are manageable, with public transport offering a cost-effective option for daily commuting.
Housing in Portland can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, though they can vary based on usage and provider.
Conclusion
Portland's cost of living reflects its status as a vibrant and desirable city. While some expenses, particularly housing, can be high, the city offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget carefully to make the most of what Portland has to offer.