Portland, OR vs. Tualatin, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Portland metro area? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Portland and Tualatin. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two Oregon cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Portland | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $2,100 | $1,800 |
| 3BR Home (Mortgage) | $2,800 | $2,600 |
🏆 Winner: Tualatin. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Tualatin compared to central Portland.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, and garbage in a 2BR apartment. Homes will be slightly higher, around $250 monthly.
Both cities experience mild winters and warm summers. Air conditioning usage peaks in July and August, while heating costs are highest December through February.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Portland and Tualatin.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are similar in both cities, though Portland has a wider variety of specialty stores and high-end markets. Expect to budget around $400 per month per person for groceries and household items.
Eating out is slightly pricier in Portland, where a meal for two averages $60 compared to $50 in Tualatin. But affordable options abound in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tualatin. Everyday expenses tend to be 5-10% cheaper in Tualatin.
4. Taxes and Fees
Oregon has no sales tax, making it an affordable place to shop. However, income taxes are relatively high, with rates ranging from 5-9.9% depending on income bracket.
Property taxes are slightly higher in Portland, averaging 1.2% of assessed value compared to 1.0% in Tualatin. In Portland, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Tualatin residents may pay separately for those services.
🏆 Winner: Tualatin. Lower property taxes give Tualatin a slight edge.
Cost of Living in Portland vs Tualatin: Summary
| Category | Portland | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,100 – $2,800 | $1,800 – $2,600 |
| Utilities | $180 – $250 | $180 – $250 |
| Groceries | $400 | $380 |
| Transportation | $80 | $100 |
| Misc | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,260 – $4,030 | $2,910 – $3,780 |
Lifestyle Fit
Beyond costs, consider lifestyle factors when choosing between Portland and Tualatin:
- Portland offers a vibrant downtown, diverse neighborhoods, and excellent public transit. But traffic and parking can be challenging.
- Tualatin provides more space for the money, with larger homes and yards. It’s ideal for families wanting suburb convenience and highly-rated schools.
Portland averages 5°F cooler than Tualatin in summer months. Both cities are known for beautiful outdoor recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland more affordable than Tualatin?
No, Tualatin is generally more affordable, with lower housing, food, and miscellaneous costs. Review our Monthly Budget Examples for Portland Residents for typical expense breakdowns.
Which city has lower rent?
Tualatin rent tends to be 10-20% lower than comparable apartments in Portland proper.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices and mortgages are lower in Tualatin. See our full Cost of Living in Portland (2025 Guide) for current real estate prices.
Conclusion
While Portland offers big-city amenities and culture, Tualatin is more budget-friendly, particularly for families or those wanting more space. A household moving from Portland to Tualatin might save $400 per month on housing alone.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle, commute, and spending priorities. Be sure to compare cost of living carefully before making your decision. Our cost of living guides for other Oregon cities can help in your research.