Portland, OR, and Oakland, CA, are two dynamic cities on the West Coast with unique characteristics. Each offers a different lifestyle, infrastructures, tax rates, and cultural exchanges due to their geographical locations and historical growth. Both cities have vibrant cultures that attract both potential residents and tourists. However, factors like crime/safety, cost of living, education, and other conditions vary significantly, requiring careful consideration when deciding on relocation or visitation. This article provides a comprehensive comparison between in-depth aspects of these two cities.
Distance between
Portland, OR and
Oakland, CA : 534.3 miles
Portland's population is larger by 48%. Its population has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) since 2000. The population of Oakland has grown by 34,339 people (8.6%) during that time.
Portland, OR has some crime, but it is primarily concentrated in specific neighborhoods. The city's overall crime rate is slightly higher than the national average; however, the number of violent crimes is significantly lower. Conversely, Oakland, CA has one of the highest crime rates in America, with both property and violent crime rates above the national average. However, the police force in Oakland actively cooperates with communities to improve the security and safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 371 registered sex offenders living in Portland and 967 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Portland is 1,724 to 1; the ratio in Oakland is 434 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Portland than in Oakland.
Cost of Living
Oakland, CA is considerably more expensive than Portland, OR. The difference in cost of living encompasses various categories, including housing, utilities, groceries, and health care. While both cities are more expensive than the national average, Oakland's costs, particularly in housing, far exceed those of Portland.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, living in Portland can be more costly. Oregon has one of the highest state income tax rates in the country. California tax rates are also high, but there are more tax breaks and credits available to residents.
Property Tax
Property taxes are high in both cities, but Oakland's rates are generally higher than Portland's. However, California does offer some property tax exemptions that can lower effective rates.
Sales Tax
Oregon’s absence of sales tax is a significant benefit for those living in Portland. However, Oakland residents experience one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the country, with a rate of 9.25%.
Income
Type
Portland
Oakland
Estimated median household income
$79,057
$82,236
Estimated per capita income
$49,003
$49,966
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
106.5
126.7
If you make $50,000 in Portland, you will have to make $59,484 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Portland offers various outdoor activities with proximity to mountains and the ocean. Oakland, nestled in the Bay Area, offers moderate winters and access to various geographical features, including hiking in the Redwoods, beaches, and Mount Diablo.
Both cities host highly-respected educational institutions and public school systems. Portland is noted for its numerous higher learning institutions, including Portland State University and Reed College. Oakland boasts impressive institutes like Mills College and proximate access to UC Berkeley. However, Portland's overall graduation rates are somewhat higher than Oakland's.
Oakland's economy is more diverse, with financial services, healthcare, and tech underpinning its local economy. Many top tech companies from the Silicon Valley have opened offices in Oakland. Meanwhile, Portland’s economy blends technology, health care, and manufacturing, with a growing hub of tech startups.
Biggest Employers
Portland's biggest employers include Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Oregon Health & Science University. Oakland-extracted “big names” are Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Southwest Airlines, reflecting the dominant sectors in each city.
There were 474 building permits issued in Portland in 2012 (23 more than in 2011) compared to 114 building permits issued in Oakland in 2012 (73 more than in 2011).
In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Oakland (Alameda County), 78.9% voted for Democrats and 18.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
2020
79.2%
79.8%
17.9%
17.6%
2.9%
2.6%
2016
73.3%
78.2%
17.0%
14.6%
9.7%
7.2%
2012
75.4%
78.9%
20.6%
18.2%
4.0%
3.0%
2008
76.7%
78.8%
20.6%
19.3%
2.7%
2.0%
2004
71.6%
75.5%
27.1%
23.4%
1.3%
1.1%
2000
63.8%
69.6%
28.3%
24.2%
7.9%
6.2%
1996
59.2%
65.8%
26.3%
23.1%
14.4%
11.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.2%
15.3%
6.7%
4.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.3%
4.0%
2.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
3.4%
1.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.8%
0.5%
2.7%
2.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
2.2%
1.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.5%
1.5%
3.8%
10.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.2%
1.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
2.0%
1.0%
2.5%
Weather
Portland enjoys a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city receives a significant amount of rainfall annually. Conversely, Oakland experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, though it tends to be sunnier and less rainy than Portland. The weather in both cities fosters outdoor activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Portland
Oakland
Temperature - Average
53.9°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
76.5%
84.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42%
29%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
90.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
44%
61.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
41.6 in
23.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
12.8 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
11.3%
26.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
54.7%
73%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
77%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
20%
55%
Wind speed - Average
8.1 mph
11.4 mph
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Average climate in Oakland, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
Portland
Oakland
2018
79
105
0.26
0.46
8.8
13.0
21.4
20.9
N/A
0.012
7.2
13.7
0.4
0.4
2017
93
100
0.26
0.48
8.7
13.5
22.6
21.2
N/A
0.008
7.1
11.3
0.4
0.5
2016
72
80
0.25
0.41
8.7
12.9
20.8
20.3
N/A
0.005
5.2
7.9
0.2
0.9
2015
91
93
0.28
0.43
9.2
14.5
20.1
20.6
N/A
0.004
7.4
9.5
0.5
0.8
2014
91
90
0.24
0.42
8.5
14.7
21.0
20.6
N/A
0.005
6.3
9.1
0.8
0.5
2013
85
89
0.29
0.39
9.6
15.2
17.9
18.0
N/A
0.004
8.6
11.6
1.1
0.5
2012
78
87
0.30
0.38
9.1
13.7
21.0
18.7
N/A
0.003
7.4
8.5
0.6
0.7
2011
89
94
0.34
0.32
9.4
14.4
18.5
18.5
N/A
0.003
8.1
10.1
0.8
1.1
2010
80
90
0.33
0.21
9.1
14.4
19.4
19.4
N/A
0.013
6.4
8.4
1.4
1.0
2009
95
99
0.32
0.22
10.2
15.2
20.0
19.0
N/A
0.006
8.4
11.3
1.6
1.3
2008
101
110
0.34
0.29
10.9
15.1
19.2
20.1
N/A
0.006
8.8
12.4
1.0
1.0
2007
101
100
0.35
0.41
11.4
13.4
18.1
21.3
N/A
0.006
8.8
9.5
1.3
1.1
2006
106
106
N/A
0.47
N/A
13.8
N/A
22.6
N/A
N/A
7.8
9.4
1.5
1.3
2005
96
97
N/A
0.56
N/A
13.3
N/A
15.3
N/A
N/A
8.9
9.6
1.7
1.4
2004
92
107
N/A
0.51
N/A
14.3
N/A
15.3
N/A
0.004
9.8
11.3
N/A
1.8
2003
77
82
N/A
0.63
N/A
16.1
N/A
15.8
0.008
N/A
8.6
N/A
N/A
1.7
2002
68
81
N/A
0.69
N/A
18.8
N/A
16.7
0.010
0.008
8.4
N/A
N/A
1.6
2001
73
87
N/A
0.70
N/A
17.2
N/A
12.7
0.008
0.008
8.9
N/A
N/A
1.5
2000
52
78
N/A
0.84
N/A
17.1
N/A
11.8
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
Natural disasters
Type
Portland
Oakland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.4%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,575.5%
7,647.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
20%
Transportation
Portland has more developed public transit, primarily due to its extensive light rail and bus system - TriMet. Oakland, while also offering bus, train, and ferry services, relies heavily on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system which tends to be overstressed.
Transport
Type
Portland
Oakland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
804
154
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Portland
Oakland
Bicycle
3.1%
1%
Bus
4.6%
3.2%
Carpooled
9.4%
12.6%
Car alone
76.2%
72.2%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.4%
Railroad
0.9%
0.1%
Streetcar
0.3%
2.3%
Subway
0%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
3.8%
5.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Portland
Oakland
Average
28.8 min
33.6 min
Other means
21.8 min
29 min
Public transportation
38.2 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Portland
Oakland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
88.1%
In 2 person carpool
8.4%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.4%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate costs are significantly higher in Oakland than in Portland. The housing market in Oakland is competitive, with demand often outstripping supply. Portland’s market, while still strong, is less aggressive, with more balanced supply and demand.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have diverse neighborhoods with their unique charms. Oakland's neighborhoods, such as Rockridge and Temescal, offer a range of cultural experiences. In contrast, Portland's neighborhoods, including Alberta Arts District and Hawthorne, are renowned for their hipster culture, with independent shops, breweries, and food trucks.
Houses and residents
Type
Portland
Oakland
Houses
303,483
186,660
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1976
1958
Median year house/condo built
1954
1943
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
15.4 years
Houses occupied
286,734 (94.5%)
170,366 (91.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
153,121 (53.4%)
72,661 (42.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
133,613 (46.6%)
97,705 (57.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,917
$3,127
Median monthly housing costs
$1,535
$1,921
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$248,225
$923,387
Estimated median house or condo value
$520,200
$848,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$568,464
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$576,814
$781,885
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$426,181
$716,428
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$466,898
$709,698
Median house price - mobile homes
$136,996
$365,144
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$126,313
$485,645
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$416,951
$834,685
Median house price - All housing units
$544,799
$991,120
Median house age
56
69
Renting percentage
46.3%
58.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,259.4
3,329.9
House value disparities
23.1%
22.3%
Household income disparities
44.7%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$122,948
$153,718
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,663
$81,904
Housing units without a mortgage
2,404 (2.2%)
1,176 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
11,239 (10.1%)
4,996 (9.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
108,864 (97.8%)
51,720 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
396 (0.4%)
139 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,832 (11.5%)
6,096 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
1.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Portland
Oakland
One, detached
53.3%
42.3%
One, attached
5.7%
4.9%
Two
3.5%
6.2%
3 or 4
4.5%
11.1%
5 to 9
4.0%
6.6%
10 to 19
4.7%
6.9%
20 to 49
6.6%
9.9%
50 or more
16.2%
11.7%
Mobile homes
1.2%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.3%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,437
20,615
State government workers
15,615
9,112
Unpaid family workers
688
529
Industries and Occupations
As part of the Silicon Valley ecosystem, Oakland has a higher concentration of tech-related jobs; finance and healthcare are also major employers. In contrast, Portland has a diversified economy with occupations across healthcare, manufacturing, and a burgeoning tech hub, known as the Silicon Forest.
Both cities offer reasonable access to healthcare systems. However, Portland provides slightly better healthcare access, with more hospitals and general and specialty doctors per capita. Kaiser Permanente, a leading healthcare provider, is based in Oakland.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Portland
Oakland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
In comparison to Oakland, Portland's infrastructure is more developed and well-maintained. It includes an extensive network of bikeways and well-kept parks. Oakland, in contrast, often struggles with infrastructure challenges like overburdened transportation networks and aging public buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Portland
Oakland
Hospitals
21
9
TV stations
18
28
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
208
76
Bank institutions located here
30
29
Main business address for public companies
32
10
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Portland
Oakland
1999
1,922
1,291
2000
1,651
1,721
2001
1,193
1,244
2002
1,235
1,370
2003
1,844
2,021
2004
2,651
3,261
2005
3,396
3,850
2006
3,510
4,422
2007
3,008
2,645
2008
1,465
1,041
2009
712
700
Culture and Food
Portland and Oakland both have distinct cultural scenes. Portland is well-known for its food trucks, craft beers, and coffee culture. Oakland proffers a vibrant art scene and diverse food culture with an emphasis on farm-to-table restaurants and food festivals.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find plenty to cheer for in both cities. Portland boasts the Trail Blazers in the NBA and the Timbers in the MLS. Oakland, on the other hand, has seen some significant changes with the Golden State Warriors moving to San Francisco and the Raiders to Las Vegas. Still, the Athletics in MLB remain.
Portland, OR
Oakland, CA
