Welcome to the City of Roses: Portland, Oregon! Known for its stunning natural beauty, creative energy, and commitment to sustainability, Portland is a desirable destination for many. But life among the coffee roasters, food carts, and indie galleries doesn’t come cheap.
While finding an apartment near the action could result in higher rents, it is possible to work, play, and rent at a reasonable price. We’ve compiled a list of the most affordable neighborhoods in Portland to help you experience the city’s signature lifestyle without overspending.
The five most affordable neighborhoods in Portland in 2026 are:
Montavilla
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Montavilla: $1,025/month
- Median Home List Price in Montavilla: $439,900
Montavilla sits on Portland’s east side and is known for its historic roots and steady growth. Renters will find housing options ranging from modern apartment communities to single-family homes.
Things to do in Montavilla
Montavilla is centered around Southeast Start Street where residents can find sit-down restaurants, casual eateries, and local coffee shops. Nearby Berrydale Park spreads over six acres and offers playgrounds, athletic fields, and open green spaces. Academy Theatre is a historic space in the neighborhood where renters can still see movies today. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or grab a bite with your neighbors, both are possible in Montavilla.
Transportation
Montavilla is well-connected through TriMet bus lines that run along Stark Street, making it easy to reach Downtown Portland, lying only seven miles away. The MAX Blue Line light rail is accessible from nearby stations and access to I-205 and U.S. Route 26 make regional travel easy.
Cully
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cully: $1,063/month
- Median Home List Price in Cully: $431,950
Cully is an affordable neighborhood located on the Northeast side of Portland and offers renters residential relaxation. Known for having a tight-knit community, Cully is perfect for renters looking for an affordable place to put down roots in Portland.
Things to do in Cully
Cully has a rising reputation as Portland’s next culinary hub, thanks to its urban farming projects, sustainable farming, and new restaurants. The Cully Farmers Market is a great place to try some of these local bites and browse goods made by regional vendors. Side Yard Farm and Kitchen and Cully Neighborhood Farms offer classes and demonstrations on how to grow your own vegetables, promoting sustainability. Cully also has a range of bars, shops, and restaurants on popular Alberta Street, lying only a short drive away for residents.
Transportation
Cully is served by TriMet bus routes located throughout the neighborhood that connect residents to Downtown Portland, the Hollywood District, and surrounding areas. Interstate 205 runs along the eastern edge of the neighborhood and NE Columbia Boulevard makes travel to PDX International Airport and employment centers seamless.
Centennial
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Centennial: $1,212/month
- Median Home List Price in Centennial: $415,000
Centennial is an East Portland neighborhood that offers modest rents compared to the rest of the city. It has a classic suburban vibe, with homes perched on winding streets.
Things to do in Centennial
Daily shopping, casual dining, and a variety of businesses line SE Division Street in the center of the neighborhood. Parks and community gardens amidst residential streets are easily walkable. Because the area is primarily residential, residents tend to head to Gresham or Portland for festivals and events.
Transportation
Centennial has a suburban feel, set apart from Portland’s major highways and transit corridors. Buses still run through the area, and SE Powell Boulevard, SE Division Street, and SE Stark Street get drivers to the city. While the MAX Light Rail doesn’t run directly through the neighborhood, the Blue Line is easily accessible along East Burnside Street, just north of Centennial.
Gateway
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Gateway: $1,215/month
- Median Home List Price in Gateway: $394,500
Known locally as Hazelwood, Gateway puts excellent transit access and frequently visited stores within easy reach. This accessibility has made the area a good choice for renters who value convenience and connection.
Things to do in Gateway
Gateway mixes commercial areas with well-established neighborhoods, so chain retailers and local shops are just a short trip from home. Unwind in your favorite way, whether it’s hitting the golf course at Glendoveer Golf & Tennis or strolling past the outdoor sculptures in Ventura Park.
Transportation
Gateway contains the Gateway Transit Center, a large transit hub with a MAX station. Catch a train on the Red, Blue, or Green MAX Lines, or head to the bus terminal. The nearby I-84/I-205 interchange simplifies going downtown or getting around the Portland area.
North Tabor
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in North Tabor: $1,256/month
- Median Home List Price in North Tabor: $567,500
North Tabor is right above the famous Mt. Tabor, making it the perfect location for an outdoor-focused lifestyle with easy Portland access. While you can enjoy the quiet of being in the suburbs, the active atmosphere of the city is just a short trip away.
Things to do in North Tabor
North Tabor is a smaller neighborhood where residents can walk to local shops and eateries on Burnside and Glisan streets. Sitting just north of Mt. Tabor means the 176-acre park, filled with trails and panoramic views, is only a 20-minute walk away.
Transportation
North Tabor is served by the NE 60th Avenue MAX station (Blue/Red/Green Lines) and bus service to assist residents in commuting without a car. I-84 (Banfield Freeway) marks the northern boundary, giving drivers a straight shot to East Portland and downtown.
Find Affordable Apartments in Portland on Apartments.com
Whether you’re searching for a studio in St. Johns or a two-bedroom near Lents, Apartments.com makes it simple to compare prices, amenities, and locations across Portland. With powerful filters for rent range, pet policies, and commute time, you can narrow your search to the neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and your budget.
Start exploring thousands of verified listings today on Apartments.com to find the Portland apartment that feels like home.
This article was originally published on November 9, 2023 and has been updated to reflect April 2026 data.
FAQs
What is the best area to live in Portland, OR?
The best area to live in Portland, OR depends on you and your lifestyle. Renters looking to be in the middle of the action should look in Waterfront or Uptown Portland. For a quieter lifestyle, a suburb like Cedar Hills-Cedar Mill might be a better choice.
What part of Portland is the cheapest to live in?
The cheapest part of Portland is usually areas on the outskirts of the city. The East Portland area is a great place to explore neighborhoods since rents there are typically lower.
What salary do you need to live in Portland, Oregon?
The salary recommended to live in Portland, Oregon for a single adult with no dependents is around $97,000 a year. The cost of living is Portland is 16.2 percent higher than the national average, which increases the income needed to live comfortably.
