Performance
Score Breakdown
Portland
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Portland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Portland's average rent is
48% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Portland | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,088 | $1,412 | +48% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $281 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $126 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $135 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,088 | $2,404 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 114 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Portland | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $96,970 |
| Household Income | $79,540 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Portland runs warmer on average — a 47.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Portland comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Portland sees 43.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Portland | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 43.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | |
| Humidity | 71.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Portland has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Portland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Portland | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 41.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Portland.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Portland | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,854 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.51% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Portland
#28Maine, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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