Portland vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Portland feels like approximately $38,799 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Portland feels like $38,799 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 45%.
Portland
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Portland, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Portland and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Portland vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Portland or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,677/mo in Portland and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Portland?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Portland feels like approximately $38,799 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 45% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Portland and St. Louis?
Portland is in OR (OR levies income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO 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.