City vs city
Boston, MA vs Portland, OR
- Rent is 30% lower in Portland (median $1,655/mo vs $2,147/mo in Boston).
- Homes cost 26% less in Portland ($582k vs $732k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $287 more a month after taxes and rent in Portland.
- Schools rate higher in Portland (6.9/10 vs 4.6/10).
- Boston has less violent crime (5.8 vs 7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Portland has milder winters (42°F vs 30°F average).
- Boston gets more sun (200 vs 144 sunny days a year).
| Boston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $2,147/mo | $1,655/mo |
| Median home value | $732k | $582k |
| Median household income | $97k | $91k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $2,692 | $2,979 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 4.6/10 | 6.9/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.6× the US rate | 1.9× the US rate |
| Summer average | 82°F | 82°F |
| Winter average | 30°F | 42°F |
| Sunny days a year | 200 | 144 |
| Walk score | 83 | 67 |
| Population | 666,442 | 641,165 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
Not sure it's either one?
Tell the AI matcher your budget, job and dealbreakers, and get cities that fit, with the real numbers.
Find my city