Moving from Portland to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$565/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12595
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,350
per month
State tax
9.9%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Houston to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,400 |
| $50K | $38,000 |
| $60K | $45,600 |
| $75K | $57,000 |
| $80K | $60,800 |
| $100K | $76,000 |
| $120K | $91,200 |
| $150K | $114,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Houston
| Expense | Portland | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $407 | $357 |
| Transport | $100 | $90 |
| Utilities | $130 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Houston could save roughly $565/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,780/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $57,000/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Houston to PortlandPortland vs Houston — full comparisonPortland cost of livingHouston cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only