Cost of Living in Portland and Corvallis (real estate, how much)

[JBDOG]

I am planning to relocate to Portland or Corvallis area from my current home with the Cost of Living index 150 (NYC burb). Accorging to City-Data, the index is just over 100 in Portland, and it is less than 100 in Corvallis. But realistically, how much do you need to make to live comfortably (not luxually)? I hate shopping - only thing I spend money is on my big dogs and outdoor is where we are!

Thanks!!

[DavePautsch]

In the greater Corvallis area the biggest factor in the high cost of living is the cost of real estate here. You can mitigate that a bit by moving out of town a bit...and it seems that, with big dogs you'd probably like to do that anyway. Looking in the surrounding areas in the mid-valley if you were making 40's plus, you could probably live comfortably (although not luxurally!).