City Comparison · 2026
Portland vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Portland = $93k in Phoenix
Metric
Portland
Phoenix
COL Index
1.21
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,550/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$1,950/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
ME
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$72,080
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
27.92%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$53,480
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Portland ME | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,445 $3,870/mo · 22.59% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $72,080 $6,007/mo · 27.92% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $103,047 $8,587/mo · 31.3% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Portland has a cost-of-living index of 1.21 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Portland is $1,550/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Portland vs Phoenix?
$100k in Portland = $93k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 7.4%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Portland or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $72,080 in ME (Portland) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $53,480 in Portland vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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