Moving from Portland to Oaxaca (2026)

Oaxaca has a COL index of 32 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 74% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$2,119/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
125 โ†’ 32
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900 โ†’ $400
per month
State tax
9.9% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
125 โ†’ 32
74% cheaper

Salary needed in Oaxaca to match your Portland lifestyle

Based on the 74% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in PortlandEquivalent in Oaxaca
$40K$10,240
$50K$12,800
$60K$15,360
$75K$19,200
$80K$20,480
$100K$25,600
$120K$30,720
$150K$38,400

Adjust your salary

Save ~$1,602/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Portland vs Oaxaca

ExpensePortlandOaxaca
Monthly take-home$4,122$4,741
1BR rent$1,900$400
Groceries$407$380
Transport$100$150
Utilities$130$45
Internet$65$25
Left after essentials$1,520$3,741

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $1,602 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$1,954,394

over 30 years compared to staying in Portland โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$1,602/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Oaxaca cheaper than Portland?

Yes. Oaxaca has a cost of living index of 32 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 74% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Portland to Oaxaca?

On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Oaxaca saves roughly $2,119/month on core expenses. That's ~$25,428/year.

What salary do I need in Oaxaca to match my Portland lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $19,200/year in Oaxaca. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only