Average Rent in Portland 2026
The average rent in Portland, OR is $1,600 for a 1-bedroom, $2,100 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,600 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Portland is 30% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $64,000.
Portland Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,100
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,600
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$1,600/mo rent
$64,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,100/mo rent
$84,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,600/mo rent
$104,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Portland?