Portland, OR vs. Hillsboro, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
On average, a family relocating from Hillsboro to Portland might save over $500 per month on housing alone in 2025. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Portland and Hillsboro, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life monthly expenses in these two Oregon cities.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare in Portland vs Hillsboro:
| Housing Type | Portland | Hillsboro |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,400 | $3,100 |
🏆 Winner: Portland. Housing costs are significantly lower in Portland compared to Hillsboro, with potential savings of $400-700 per month.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities, with slight differences based on home size and seasonal usage:
- In Portland, expect monthly utility bills around $180 for a 2BR apartment or $250 for a 3BR house.
- Hillsboro utility costs average $200/month for a 2BR and $280/month for a 3BR.
- Both cities see 10-20% higher utility bills in winter months.
🏆 Winner: Portland, but only by a slight margin of $20-30/month.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable between Portland and Hillsboro, with Portland averaging about 5% lower prices on staple goods. Restaurant meals and everyday items like toiletries and cleaning supplies are priced similarly.
For a typical family, monthly grocery and household expenses in Portland total around $800-1000. Budget closer to $850-1100 for the same standard of living in Hillsboro.
🏆 Winner: Portland. Groceries and daily expenses are 5-10% cheaper here.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Portland and Hillsboro residents pay a state income tax of 9% on income over $8,700 for single filers or $17,400 for joint filers. However, there are some notable differences in local taxes and fees:
- Portland’s property tax rate is $13.50 per $1,000 assessed value, while Hillsboro’s is higher at $16.45 per $1,000.
- Portland charges an Arts Tax of $35 per adult resident.
- Many Hillsboro neighborhoods have HOA fees of $200-400/month, less common in Portland.
🏆 Winner: Portland. Lower property taxes and fewer extra fees add up to savings for Portland residents.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Portland | Hillsboro |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,400 | $3,100 |
| Utilities | $250 | $280 |
| Groceries | $900 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $400 | $600 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,650 | $5,730 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Portland offers a lower cost of living, Hillsboro has its own advantages:
- Hillsboro offers more spacious homes and a suburban feel, while Portland is denser with more walkable neighborhoods.
- Hillsboro averages 5°F warmer summer temperatures than Portland.
- Tech professionals may prefer Hillsboro for its proximity to employers like Intel and Nike.
- Portland has a thriving food and arts scene, great for young singles and couples.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Portland more affordable than Hillsboro?
A: Yes, Portland has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. See our full Portland cost of living guide for more details.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Portland rent is around 20% cheaper than Hillsboro for comparable apartments.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Portland has lower home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers. A typical mortgage payment is $500-700 less per month compared to Hillsboro.
8. Conclusion
While both great cities, Portland comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families, remote workers, and young professionals on a budget will likely find it easier to afford the lifestyle they want in Portland compared to Hillsboro. However, those prioritizing larger suburban homes or proximity to tech jobs may find Hillsboro worth the premium.
Of course, cost of living is just one factor in choosing where to live. We recommend visiting both cities to get a feel for the vibe of different neighborhoods. Check out our other cost of living breakdowns for more Oregon cities to explore all your options!