Are you trying to figure out the similarities and differences between Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas?
I think I can help.
I grew up in Portland (spent 30 years there!)
before moving to Austin for a career change.
Im not one for small talk, so lets get to it!
Is Portland or Austin bigger?
Population-wise, Austin, Texas is twice as big as Portland, Oregon.
As of 2020, the population of Portland is 650,000 while the population of Austin is 966,000.
Which city is more liberal, Portland or Austin?
Both Portland and Austin arestronglyliberal cities.
In the last presidential election71.4%of Travis County residents (Austins County) voted Democrat.
Likewise in Multnomah County (Portlands County),79.2%of residents voted Democrat.
Almost everyone moving to Portland vs. Austin is liberal first, employed second.
Some folks dont realize that the Keep Portland Weird motto came from Austin, but its true.
#2.
The running joke with Portland in the 90s was that this was the place 30-year-olds came to retire.
But word spread fast and over time the Portlands reputation grew (and with it the population).
Daily life became less and less affordable and new transplants started finding themselves sticker-shocked upon arrival.
The glory days were over but they didnt get the memo.
The same thing happened with Austin, albeit the massive spike in newcomers happened more recently.
In fact, Austin, Texas was thefastest growing cityin the country between 2011 2016.
To call either Austin or Portland affordable is nothing short of laughable.
Heres a helpful breakdown:
#3.
Both cities are (extremely) environmentally friendly
Now that Ive brought you down (my apologies!)
Both cities operate with the environment in mind and other cities have taken notice.
Also worth mention supporting the local community is huge in Portland and Austin.
Youll be spoiled for choice when it comes to farmers markets, small businesses and awesome art.
#4.
And then theres Austin, Texas.
Ever since Musk moved Tesla to Austin it seems like all eyes have been on Bat City.
#5.
I hear it on a daily basis from locals in both cities.
Hell, the poor folks in California have been priced out long before it was cool to bash them.
That sucks for everybody.
#6.
In fact, Portland was the first city to appoint an openly-gay mayor (Sam Adams in 2008).
#7.
In Portland the cuisine spans the gamut, but farm to table reigns supreme.
#8.
The innovation and creativity of Portlands craft brew scene makes headlines year after year.
Home to an impressive 85 breweries, Portland has thehighest breweries per capitaof any US city.
But overlooking Austin in this department would be nothing short of a mistake.
#9.
And Im not going to let that happen to you.
By 2022, the price of housing was 9 times higher than the average income.
By 2022, the price of housing was 8 times higher than the average income.
The price of housing (relative to income) has doubled in the last 10 years alone.
Its the wild west out here!
Anyways, this seems like a good time to transition to the differences between Austin and Portland, Oregon.
#10.
Theres no ifs, ands or buts about it.
I dont like it.
Its always refreshing to visit other cities and be reminded of the beauty of diversity.
In terms of diversity, its not like Austin is doing too much better in this department.
Austin is69% whiteand is considered the 6thmost gentrifiedcities in the country.
Moving to Austin from New York City was a hard transition because of the lack of diversity.
Differences between Portland vs. Austin
#1.
Even as a lifelong local, the best way I know to describe other locals is polite but distant.
I dont know why its this way, but it is.
These people aresonice and outgoing.
It seems like locals arent weary of strangers and are much more open to newcomers without judgement.
In my experience people in Austin are more direct, which makes everyday conversations and gatherings a lot easier.
Texans let you know when you slip up and its rather refreshing.
Verdict on Austin, Texas vs. Portland, Oregon:Its easier to make friends in Austin, Texas.
#2.
Taxes, baby
Thinking about moving to Portland, Oregon vs. Austin with the hopes of buying a home?
Well, lets talk taxes.
Since I dont own a home (yet, ever?
), living in Austin is an easy win in this category.
I get to keep almost 10% more of my paycheck simply by living in Austin vs. Portland.
Verdict on Portland, Oregon vs. Austin, Texas:Toss-up.
Texas doesnt have state income tax, but crazy high property taxes.
Oregon has one of the highest income taxes in the country, but no sales tax.
#3.
Access to epic nature
When it comes to epic nature, Oregon is a heart breaker.
The state is achingly beautiful and getting to see Mt.
Nothing compares to the access to nature and overall beauty of living in Portland.
Not a mountain person?
How about the Oregon Coast?
Hell, give yourself a proper tour of the7 Wonder of Oregonto see what all the fuss is about.
If youre not planning on hopping in the car to find nature, fret not.
Portlands park system is often considered the best in the nation.
Nearly 99% of residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park.
Hard not to love that.
Verdict on Austin, Texas vs. Portland, Oregon:Portlandallthe way.
#4.
Heres the short of it Portland, Oregon punches above its weight in thepublic transportationdepartment.
Its also considered one of thebest biking citiesin the country and walking around is a breeze.
Austin, on the other hand, sprawls into oblivion and doesnt show signs of stopping any time soon.
#5.
Not to mention the epic music festival that is Austin City Limits!
Theres ahugemusic scene in Austin that rivals the one in Portland, Oregon.
Verdict on Portland, Oregon vs.Austin, Texas:Austin wins in this arena!
#6.
I cant say I disagree!
Portland is definitely more of a sleepy city after 10pm, while Austin is just warming up.
But dont just take my word for it.
Austin is considered one of thebest cities in the US for nightlife.
Verdict on Austin, Texas vs. Portland, Oregon:Austin has better nightlife.
#7.
Verdict on Portland, Oregon vs.Austin, Texas:Portland is a better place to live for allergy sufferers.
#8.
Polar opposite weather
This is another obvious difference between Portland and Austin.
Even if its drizzling, the weather is pretty mild and the show goes on.
You cant leave the house and your AC bill will make you teary-eyed.
Verdict on Portland, Oregon vs.Austin, Texas:Toss-up, depends on the person.
#9.
The urban sprawl in Austin seems to get worse every year as subdivisions crop up all over.
The charm of the city goes to the wayside when urban sprawl isnt properly managed.
#10.
Homelessness
Would you be surprised if I told you that Austin has a worse homeless population than Portland?
If so, good.
Because thats simply not true.
Homeless is hard to track but easy to feel (through experiences and daily walks).
But mind you, Austin is not immune to homelessness.
Its just that Portlands homeless crises is so much more apparent.
Again, I dont have a solution to this problem, but want to verify youre informed.
Verdict on Portland, Oregon vs.Austin, Texas:Austin wins this round.
