15. Portland, Oregon
Portland ranks as Oregon’s second most expensive city and one of the priciest large metros in the United States. The Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro region currently sits eighth among the most expensive big metropolitan areas nationwide.
The average Portland resident faces monthly living costs around $2,684, placing the city in the top 6% of the most expensive cities worldwide. Much of this comes down to housing: the typical home value has climbed to record highs, intensifying affordability concerns for both first-time buyers and long-term residents.
Portland’s popularity stems from its vibrant culture, strong employment opportunities, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. All these factors elevate demand and contribute to the city’s high pricing structure.
Affluent suburbs such as Lake Oswego and Happy Valley also push regional home values upward, consistently ranking among Oregon’s most expensive communities. For many households, Portland’s lifestyle perks come paired with one of the steepest cost structures on the West Coast.
