Average Rent in Portland 2026
Portland Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,100
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,600
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Portland
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Portland renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,600 | $2,100 | $2,600 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $125 | $155 | $190 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $16 | $19 | $22 |
| Total monthly | $1,811 | $2,344 | $2,882 |
Utility estimates scale with Portland’s cost of living index (130). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Portland
130
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Portland's cost of living index is 130, which is 30% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Portland at a Glance
Population
635K
Median Income
$78,654
COL Index
130
Rent Control
Yes
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Portland?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Portland by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,600/mo | $64,000 | $30.77/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,100/mo | $84,000 | $40.38/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,600/mo | $104,000 | $50/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Portland at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Portland apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Portland |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | Studio or roommate |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 1-bedroom |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $1,050 in Portland — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Portland
Save $550/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,600
per month
Split 2BR
$1,050
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,600
per year
Instead of paying $1,600 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,100) with one roommate brings your share to $1,050. That is $6,600 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Portland
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,600–$3,200
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,600
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,600
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Portland: $3,250–$6,400 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Portland
Portland has rent control or rent stabilization
Oregon enacted statewide rent control in 2019 (SB 608). Annual rent increases are capped at 7% plus CPI for buildings older than 15 years. Landlords are also required to provide cause for evictions after the first year of tenancy. Portland additionally has its own relocation assistance ordinance for no-cause evictions.
How Portland Compares to Other US Cities
Portland sits well above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Portland
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Portland Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Portland rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Portland
Is Portland expensive to rent in?
Portland is moderately expensive. A 1-bedroom averages $1,600 per month in 2026, about 30% above the national average when factoring in the cost of living index. The Pearl District and Northwest Portland are the priciest neighborhoods, while East Portland and outer SE are more affordable.
How much income do you need to rent in Portland?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $5,333 per month ($64,000 annually) to afford an average $1,600/month 1-bedroom apartment in Portland. Oregon does have state income tax, which can affect your take-home pay.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Portland?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,100/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,050, saving $550 per month or $6,600 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Portland?
Renters in Portland typically pay about $125 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $16 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $211 on top of your $1,600 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Portland?
Most Portland landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,600 for a 1-bedroom at the Portland average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($3,200), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Portland affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Portland is $78,654, which comes out to about $6,555 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,600, that's roughly 24% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Portland?