Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILPortland, OR

You would need around 10.7% less money in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

10.7%

Portland, OR is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B2,081 USD
Difference-13.5%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B307 USD
Difference+4.8%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B5,011 USD
Difference-2.4%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Portland, OR is 10.7% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Portland, OR's center costs around 2,081 USD, which is a staggering 13.5% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Portland, OR is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Portland, OR to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Portland, OR

4,585 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR and investing the 11% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 1.6 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Portland, OR prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing2081 USD
Groceries307 USD
Utilities & Internet273 USD

Investment Planner

You save 325 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Portland, OR.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~54,600 USD in 10 years.