Austin vs Portland

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $85,430 in Portland.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $85,430 in Portland. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 22%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Portland

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
moderate
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,677/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
OR tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,225
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Portland is frequently explored by remote workers seeking Pacific Northwest lifestyle at lower cost than Seattle. Oregon's income tax should factor into the take-home pay calculation versus Washington's no-tax status.
Walk Score
42
 
67
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Portland
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Portland each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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Austin profile Portland profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Austin vs Portland — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Portland?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,677/mo in Portland. Austin has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Portland to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $85,430 in Portland — a gain of about 22% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Portland?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Portland is in OR (OR levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.