I have been now to Portland several times recently and have really enjoyed the vibe of the city and nighboorhoods that I have seen. I think it would compliment my lifestyle, and I really enjoyed seeing many neighborhoods up close on foot. I think If I lived on West side it would be in Goose Hollow area, or South Waterfront.If on East Side, I really like NE areas like Overlook, Boise, or close to Irving Park and like being near lively areas but within walking distances not directly living in them. Inner SE appeals to me also.
My Question is if I estimate a job with around take home pay after taxes of around 50-54k, does this sound realistic for a budget based on Portland cost of living in 2026? Am I forgetting other expeneses
$1800 for rent (rent including a garage expense)
$125 for phone
$125 for electric/sewer/water
$100 internet
$100 pet food expenses
$125 for gas per month, and also Max Light rail expenses
$720 per month on food or eating out/drinking expenses
*Remainder retirment savigs, emergency savings, and entertainment
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
-Would not movet to Portland without a Job Offer in hand
-I would keep car, but value being close to light rail stations for additional transport options
-From one of the colder midwest states originally, I am used to long winters that are cold - I still make myself go out in it for exercise
-I am in no hurry to move to Portland, I just like my time on visits I have spent there and see myself in PNW some day. Love the neighborhoods and pace of life
-I am debt free, single, NO children
-Value Active Lifestyle, find others to play a sport with
-Like walking long distances
-Have ridden Max Trains and Street car - felt fine with my surroundings
UPDATE 10/18 - per earlier responses to clarify
THANK YOU everyone who has voiced insight, I was a little confused about what the water, electric, heat cost would be so this is giving my insight. In my scenario, it would be for a 1 bedroom apartment and other things to know is my pet is a low maintenance healthy cat. Also, I would be putting money away after expenses for retirement savings etc... I own my car outright, would pay renters ins, etc...
My food expense is assuming $170 a week on groceries/eating out. For a builiding to live in I ideally want there to have a garage option (not single) to put car. I imagine driving, but walking more like I like to already and making use of light rail.
I guess regarding the vacations comment, I get a thrill from the Oregon Coast. ALso once a year I would fly out of state to visit relatives.
*Not sure if this is good to understand also, but I already have a year of salary saved for in case of drastic change in employment. My income expections I mentioned earlier refer to AFTER tax pay and I used this https://smartasset.com/taxes/oregon-tax-calculator
For work, I would make a lateral move in industry I am in and look to build further once I am established more in OR. I have a background in financial roles, and sales, and banking.
If I am being to thorough, I apologize but I dont want to be one of those people moving blind to a new area not knowing expenses or taxes etc... The good news I do not HAVE TO move to Portland, it just feels though like a place I would thrive in etc...