Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,618
in New York
$66,489
in Oregon
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | New York | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 174.7 | 127.4 | +37% |
| Groceries | 103.3 | 106.8 | -3% |
| Utilities | 101.5 | 95.6 | +6% |
| Transportation | 108.1 | 119.1 | -9% |
| Healthcare | 110.9 | 117.9 | -6% |
| Dining & Misc | 105.8 | 104.4 | +1% |
| Overall | 125.8 | 112.8 | +12% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New York.
What things actually cost
| Item | New York | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $450,000 | $490,000 | $40,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $2,446/mo | $1,784/mo | +$662 |
| Gas price | $3.47/gal | $4.26/gal | $0.79 |
| Electric bill | $174/mo | $98/mo | +$76 |
| Infant childcare | $17,361/yr | $19,064/yr | $1,703 |
Salary equivalent: New York → Oregon
What a New York salary buys you in Oregon, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New York | Equivalent in Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,833 | +$5,167 |
| $75,000 | $67,250 | +$7,750 |
| $100,000 | $89,666 | +$10,334 |
| $150,000 | $134,499 | +$15,501 |
| $200,000 | $179,332 | +$20,668 |
Positive = your money goes further in Oregon. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New York is 12% more expensive than Oregon overall. New York has an index of 125.8 vs 112.8 for Oregon (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New York or Oregon?
Oregon is cheaper to live in. New York is 12% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $450,000 in New York vs $490,000 in Oregon.
Is Oregon cheaper than New York?
Yes, Oregon is 12% cheaper than New York overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New York more expensive than Oregon?
Yes, New York is 12% more expensive than Oregon based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Oregon equals $100,000 in New York?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New York, you would need approximately $89,666 in Oregon. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (125.8 vs 112.8).
How do housing costs compare between New York and Oregon?
Housing is significantly cheaper in New York. Median home prices are $450,000 in New York vs $490,000 in Oregon — a $40,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $2,446/mo vs $1,784/mo.
What costs more in New York vs Oregon?
Housing is 37% higher in New York (index 174.7 vs 127.4). Transportation is 9% lower in New York (index 108.1 vs 119.1). Healthcare is 6% lower in New York (index 110.9 vs 117.9).
Is gas cheaper in New York or Oregon?
Gas averages $3.47/gallon in New York and $4.26/gallon in Oregon — a $0.79 difference per gallon.
New York vs Oregon cost of living — how do they compare?
New York has an overall cost-of-living index of 125.8 and Oregon has 112.8 (national average = 100). New York is 12% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New York and Oregon?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the New York vs Oregon paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- New York Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Oregon Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New York vs Oregon Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New York — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Oregon — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.
