San Diego vs Portland: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, San Diego comes in at $783,300 — 50% higher than Portland, where the median is $523,100.
San Diego's median household income runs $98,657, against $85,876 in Portland.
San Diego's median rent sits at $2,080, against $1,530 in Portland.
FEMA rates San Diego's natural-hazard risk higher than Portland's: Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,383,987 | 646,101 |
| Median home value | $783,300 | $523,100 |
| Median household income | $98,657 | $85,876 |
| Median gross rent | $2,080 | $1,530 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Portland, OR comes out ahead on housing affordability versus San Diego, CA, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.