Beaverton, OR vs. Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between Beaverton and Portland, Oregon? Here’s a quick cost comparison:
- 🏠 Median home price: $200K less in Beaverton
- ⚡ Utilities: 10% cheaper in Beaverton
- 🛒 Groceries: 5% cheaper in Beaverton
- 🚗 Transportation: $50/month savings in Portland
For a deeper dive, this article provides a full cost of living comparison of Beaverton vs Portland. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of these two cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Beaverton and Portland. Here’s a comparison of median home prices and rents:
| Housing | Beaverton | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $650,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,800 | $2,200 |
🏆 Winner: Beaverton. You’ll save around $200,000 on a home purchase or $400 per month on rent compared to Portland.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Beaverton residents pay about 10% less than Portland for utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, and garbage collection. The average utility bill is around $180 per month in Beaverton compared to $200 in Portland.
Both cities have similar climates, so seasonal costs don’t vary much. Portland General Electric and Portland General Water serve both areas.
🏆 Winner: Beaverton edges out Portland with slightly lower utility rates across the board.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Expect to spend about 5% less on groceries and household items in Beaverton compared to Portland. A gallon of milk runs $3.50 in Beaverton vs $3.75 in Portland, for example.
Restaurant prices are comparable between the two cities, though Portland has more high-end options that can inflate your dining budget.
🏆 Winner: Beaverton for affordable grocery staples and casual dining.
Taxes and Fees
Oregon has no sales tax, so that’s even between the two cities. Property taxes are slightly lower in Beaverton at 0.8% vs 1.1% in Portland.
In Beaverton, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash collection. Portland neighborhoods are less likely to have HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Beaverton for its lower property tax rate. But it’s close!
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Beaverton | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Taxes | 0.8% property tax | 1.1% property tax |
| Misc | $250 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,830 | $3,275 |
Lifestyle Fit
Beaverton offers more space for your money, with larger homes and yards compared to Portland. But Portland is more walkable and has better public transportation. Expect a 15°F temperature difference between the two cities on summer days.
Beaverton is ideal for families who want affordable suburban living close to Portland’s amenities. Portland suits young professionals and singles who prioritize city life and don’t mind less space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaverton more affordable than Portland?
Yes, Beaverton is about 15% cheaper than Portland overall. The biggest savings are in housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Beaverton rents are around $400 less per month than comparable apartments in Portland.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
In Beaverton, you’ll spend about $200,000 less on a home purchase vs Portland.
Conclusion
While both great Pacific Northwest cities, Beaverton comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. A household moving from Portland to Beaverton might save $400 per month on housing alone.
Beaverton is the clear choice for families buying a home or anyone looking to keep expenses low. Choose Portland if walkability and city amenities are worth the extra cost.
Budgeting for a move to Beaverton? Check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Beaverton Residents. Or see our full Cost of Living in Beaverton (2025 Guide) for more details.