City cost comparison
Bend vs Portland
Housing, childcare, healthcare, food, and education — side by side for families weighing Bend, OR against Portland, OR.
Comparison matrix
Emerald badges flag the cheaper city for each line item; rose marks when the other city wins on cost.
| Metric | Bend, OR | Portland, OR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HousingFamily housing premium / month | $1,100 | $1,025 | +7% cheaper in Portland |
| ChildcareAvg monthly (infant → school-age) | $1,381 | $1,522 | +9% cheaper in Bend |
| HealthcareFamily premium share + child OOP / month | $639 | $653 | +2% cheaper in Bend |
| FoodPer child / month | $377 | $369 | +2% cheaper in Portland |
| EducationAnnual baseline ÷ 12 | $83 | $86 | +3% cheaper in Bend |
Illustrative planning baselines (updated 2026-01-15 / 2026-01-15). Verify local rates before major decisions.