City comparison

Chicago vs Portland

Portland scores higher on salary; Chicago has a lower cost of living. Compare Chicago and Portland on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Portland scores higher overall

Portland could put significantly more money in your pocket

How they compare

If you want to save more

ChicagoOverall fitPortland
62 / 66+4 Portland
ChicagoSavingsPortland
58 / 63+5 Portland
ChicagoCareerPortland
73 / 72+1 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressurePortland
63 / 68+5 Portland

If you want career growth

ChicagoOverall fitPortland
68 / 69+1 Portland
ChicagoSavingsPortland
58 / 63+5 Portland
ChicagoCareerPortland
73 / 72+1 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressurePortland
63 / 68+5 Portland

If you want better balance

ChicagoOverall fitPortland
66 / 69+3 Portland
ChicagoSavingsPortland
58 / 63+5 Portland
ChicagoCareerPortland
73 / 72+1 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressurePortland
63 / 68+5 Portland

Financial impact: moving from Chicago to Portland

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

+$571
Monthly
+$6,852
1 year
+$20,556
3 years

Moving from Chicago to Portland: trade-offs

You gain

++$571/mo estimated net gain — $6,852 over the first year

Chicago

US
Salary index
70
Cost index
60
Rent pressure
37
Opportunity
74

Portland

US
Salary index
76
Cost index
60
Rent pressure
32
Opportunity
70

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The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

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