Rent vs Buy Calculator — Portland, OR
Prefilled with Portland estimates: a ~$530,000 home (about $106,000 for 20% down) versus ~$1,850/mo rent. Oregon's effective property tax of 0.93% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $4,929/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $900/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Portland?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Oregon's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 0.93% on a $530,000 home that's about $4,929 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Portland, OR different
- Median home price estimate: $530,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $1,850
- Oregon effective property tax: 0.93% (~$4,929/yr here)
- Oregon avg. homeowners insurance: $900/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.