Tualatin, OR vs. Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Tualatin vs Portland. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Tualatin vs Portland in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Tualatin and Portland compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Tualatin | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $550,000 | $725,000 |
🏆 Winner: Tualatin. Housing costs are significantly lower in Tualatin compared to Portland proper, with savings of $600/month on a typical 2BR apartment.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $80-120
- Gas: $40-80
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $90-150
Tualatin residents may see slightly lower utility bills due to smaller home and yard sizes. Both cities have similar climates, so seasonal costs are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Tualatin, but it’s close. Utility costs are only marginally lower.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very similar between Tualatin and Portland. Budget around $400-600/month for a family of 4. Eating out is also comparable, though Portland has more high-end options that can drive up costs for foodies.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in food and daily expenses.
Taxes and Fees
Oregon has no sales tax statewide. Property taxes are assessed locally:
- Tualatin property tax rate: 1.4%
- Portland property tax rate: 1.2%
In Tualatin, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-400/month. Portland has fewer HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Portland. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees give Portland the edge.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Tualatin | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $3,000 | $4,000 |
| Utilities | $250 | $300 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $500 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,050 in Tualatin | $6,050 in Portland |
A household moving from Portland to Tualatin might save $1,000/month on overall living costs.
Lifestyle Fit
Tualatin offers more space and a suburban feel, with larger yards and easier parking. It’s ideal for families wanting room to spread out.
Portland is denser and more walkable, with extensive public transit. Commute times are 15% shorter in Portland on average. It suits urban enthusiasts and those who value cultural amenities over square footage.
FAQ
Is Tualatin more affordable than Portland?
Yes, Tualatin is cheaper than Portland overall, primarily due to lower housing costs. Expect to spend about 20% less living in Tualatin.
Which city has lower rent?
Tualatin has significantly lower rent than Portland. A typical 2BR apartment runs $1,800/month in Tualatin vs. $2,400/month in Portland.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Tualatin has lower home prices. The median 3BR house is around $550,000 in Tualatin, compared to $725,000 in Portland.
Conclusion
Tualatin offers a lower cost of living than Portland, with the biggest savings in housing. It’s ideal for families or those wanting more space on a budget. Review monthly budget examples for Tualatin residents to plan in more detail.
Portland is pricier but more compact and transit-friendly. It suits urban dwellers willing to pay more for walkability and culture. Our cost of living guide for Tualatin provides a full overview.
The right choice depends on your lifestyle priorities and budget. We hope this comparison of the cost of living in Tualatin vs Portland helps inform your decision!