Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 105.4 in Portland, OR in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 2.7% more expensive than Portland; housing rents differ by 19% (148.4 vs 125.1). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $73,029 buys in Portland, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Portland | Boston vs Portland |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 105.4 | +2.7% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 105.2 | -5.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 125.1 | +18.6% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 107.0 | +39.1% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 100.1 | +3.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 98.7 | +9.1% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Portland | $48,686 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Portland | $97,372 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Portland | $146,058 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.