Portland, Oregon is a city known for its beautiful landscape and the amazing culture that surrounds it. This city has a host of environmentally friendly projects and opportunities to tap into your inner creativity. It also has one of the most affordable living costs in the U.S., which makes it an even more attractive destination for those who want to live outside their city.
Portland’s brief history
Portland, Oregon is located in the Willamette Valley and was founded in 1845. The town has a rich history dating back to its early days as a small town for cutting. Portland grew quickly and became an important hub for transportation and commerce. The city’s economy is based on high-tech industries, natural resources, and trade.
The city has a wide variety of attractions and cultural activities, including art galleries, theatres, museums, symphonies, and dance companies. Portland is also home to world-renowned universities like the University of Oregon and Portland State University.
However, some expenses are common in any major city, such as rent or groceries. Overall, the cost of living in Portland is moderate when compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.
Benefits of Living in Portland
- Low cost of living:
One of the biggest benefits of living in Portland is that the cost of living is relatively low. The median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,236, while the median monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,593. Although grocery items and municipal services are expensive in Portland, they are still much cheaper than in many other major cities.
- Low crime rate:
Another benefit of living in Portland is that crime rates are relatively low. According to NeighborhoodScout, Portland has one of the lowest crime levels in the United States. This makes it a safe place to live and work.
- Mild weather:
One of the best things about living in Portland is that the weather is mild all year round. This means you can wear whatever clothes you want without having to worry about frosts or being too cold
- Excellent quality of life:
Portland is one of the most liveable cities in the United States, according to Forbes magazine. The city’s excellent quality of life includes a range of impressive cultural and recreational opportunities, as well as high-level healthcare and education systems.
- Excellent job and career opportunities:
Portland is a vibrant city with a fast-growing economy, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth. The city has a well-educated population, meaning there are many opportunities for those looking to start their own business or take on a new challenge at work.
Portland Gross Domestic Product
According to the Portland Regional Economic Development Commission, Portland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $69.4 billion in 2013. That’s a pretty impressive number, considering Portland has only about 2 million people! Portland’s GDP is almost the same as that of Toronto and Montreal but is much larger than that of San Francisco or Seattle.
What makes Portland’s GDP so impressive? A lot of it has to do with the high level of education and technology sectors. For example, Intel Corporation is based in Oregon, and the state has been home to many other tech companies as well. Other important factors include strong transport and trade links, a healthy housing market, and a talented workforce.
Different costs of living in Portland
- Cost of nutrition
Living in Portland is expensive, especially when it comes to food. According to Numbeo, the average cost of food per month is $335. That’s about two-thirds more than the national average and far more than residents in other Oregon cities pay.
One factor contributing to the high cost of food in Portland is the relatively high cost of production. Grocery stores here pay a premium for fresh produce, which partly explains why fruits and vegetables are so expensive. What’s more, restaurants in Portland are often quite pricey, with entrances averaging about $15.
- Housing Costs
The cost of accommodation in Portland can be very expensive. In fact, according to Numbeo, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Portland is $1,850 a month. This price does not include municipal services, which can constitute an additional $200 or more per month.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, you may not have luck. The cheapest one-bedroom apartments in the city cost just under $1,000 a month. However, if you’re willing to live in a lesser-known part of the city, you may be able to find something much cheaper. For example, the cheapest one-bedroom apartments in the city can be found in Pearl district, which cost as little as $700 a month.
- Transportation Cost
The cost of public transport can be expensive, but there are options available to residents. The most common form of public transportation in Portland is the bus system, which operates citywide on several streets. One option for using the bus system is the ORCA card. This card allows users to pay their fees using a credit or debit card, and there are also discounts available for students and seniors.