Cost of Living in Portland, TN
Population 13,325 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Portland a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $256,000. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 35 miles northeast of Nashville-Davidson, Portland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Nashville-Davidson's $383,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portland
The median home value in Portland is $256,400 — 16% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,100/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,380/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Portland has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portland, TN?
Portland has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.
What is average rent in Portland, TN?
The median gross rent in Portland is $1,100 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portland?
The median home value in Portland is $256,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland is $72,380 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portland, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portland is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Portland, TN affordable?
Yes, Portland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.
Portland at a Glance
- Population
- 13,325
- Median Income
- $72,380
- Home Value
- $256,400
- Median Rent
- $1,100/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs