Oak Ridge, TN vs Portland, TN

Oak Ridge, TN and Portland, TN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Oak Ridge scores 84 while Portland scores 88 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Oak Ridge is $1,076/month compared to $1,100/month in Portland — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oak Ridge is more affordable at $233,500 median vs $256,400.

Median household income in Oak Ridge is $71,000 compared to $72,380 in Portland (-1.9%). Portland does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Oak Ridge spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 18.2% in Portland.