Overview:
Relocating or visiting either the Bronx, NY, or Portland, OR comes with drastically different experiences. The Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York City, offers urban living with diverse culture, while Portland, known for its scenic parks and craft culture, offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Here, we'll delve into an extensive comparison between the two cities, focusing on numerous factors ranging from crime and safety to culture and food.
The Bronx has experienced decreased crime rates over the years, but it's essential to remember it's part of New York City's vast and diverse environment, with some parts safer than others. On the other hand, Portland's crime rates average around the national statistics but have seen a rise in recent years. Oregon's open-carry laws might also be a concern for some when considering safety.
Cost of Living
Living in the Bronx is generally more expensive due to its location within New York City. This includes higher rents and everyday expenses. Meanwhile, Portland's cost of living is lower compared to other major cities, but still somewhat above the national average mainly due to housing costs.
Income Tax
Both states have high income taxes. New York's rates vary from 4% to 8.82%. Meanwhile, Oregon's income tax ranges from 5% to 9.9%, which is among the highest in the U.S.
Property Tax
Property tax in New York City is relatively low compared to the rest of the nation. On the other hand, Oregon has high property tax rates, with Portland homeowners facing one of the highest in the state.
Sales Tax
New York City, including the Bronx, levies a steep sales tax at 8.875%. Whereas, Portland and the entire state of Oregon does not have sales tax, which is highly beneficial for consumers.
Income
Type
Bronx
Portland
Estimated median household income
$43,011
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$23,354
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
172.8
106.5
If you make $50,000 in Portland, you will have to make $81,127 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Bronx has an urban environment with some beautiful parks, including the renowned Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. Portland is set in a natural bounty, known for its parks, bridges, and proximity to hiking trails and skiing destinations.
Geographical information
Type
Bronx
Portland
Land area
42 sq. miles
134.3 sq. miles
Population density
32,928 people per sq. mile
4,773.4 people per sq. mile
Elevation
120 feet
50 feet
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Portland, OR
Education
The Bronx is home to quality universities like Fordham University and City University of New York, whereas Portland houses Portland State University and Reed College. Both cities place significant emphasis on education, with numerous public and private school options for families with children.
The Bronx has vast economic sectors ranging from healthcare to finance, while Portland's economy heavily relies on the tech industry, agriculture, and its thriving craft beer industry. Both cities offer good prospects for entrepreneurs.
Biggest Employers
The Bronx's largest employers include Montefiore Medical Center and Fordham University. Top employers in Portland include Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Nike.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
2020
83.7%
79.2%
16.0%
17.9%
0.3%
2.9%
2016
88.6%
73.3%
9.5%
17.0%
2.0%
9.7%
2012
91.9%
75.4%
8.1%
20.6%
0.0%
4.0%
2008
89.0%
76.7%
11.0%
20.6%
0.0%
2.7%
2004
82.9%
71.6%
16.5%
27.1%
0.6%
1.3%
2000
86.5%
63.8%
11.8%
28.3%
1.7%
7.9%
1996
85.8%
59.2%
10.5%
26.3%
3.7%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.5%
15.2%
11.5%
6.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.8%
0.3%
3.9%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.8%
4.4%
2.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.9%
6.5%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
3.7%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.9%
2.6%
4.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
0.5%
2.4%
3.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
0.6%
2.2%
Weather
The Bronx experiences a typical Northeastern U.S climate with hot summers and potentially harsh winters. On the contrary, Portland has a mild climate, with wet winters and dry, warm summers. The heavy rainfall might be challenging for some individuals accustomed to a dryer climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Bronx
Portland
Temperature - Average
54.7°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.2%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.4%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.2%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
54.5 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.5%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
20%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Bronx
Portland
Bronx
Portland
2018
102
79
0.31
0.26
15.8
8.8
24.4
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
7.2
0.6
0.4
2017
100
93
0.04
0.26
15.7
8.7
24.6
22.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
7.1
0.6
0.4
2016
98
72
0.30
0.25
16.4
8.7
24.6
20.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2
5.2
0.8
0.2
2015
105
91
0.28
0.28
18.0
9.2
23.6
20.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.4
1.4
0.5
2014
99
91
0.32
0.24
18.0
8.5
23.6
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
6.3
1.7
0.8
2013
103
85
0.39
0.29
18.9
9.6
23.5
17.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
8.6
2.1
1.1
2012
104
78
0.44
0.30
18.8
9.1
23.9
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
7.4
3.1
0.6
2011
113
89
0.46
0.34
20.9
9.4
22.1
18.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
8.1
4.5
0.8
2010
113
80
0.53
0.33
20.2
9.1
23.7
19.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
6.4
4.7
1.4
2009
107
95
0.53
0.32
22.3
10.2
19.5
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
8.4
5.4
1.6
2008
114
101
0.53
0.34
23.3
10.9
19.9
19.2
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.1
8.8
5.9
1.0
2007
122
101
0.60
0.35
24.6
11.4
19.1
18.1
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
8.8
7.0
1.3
2006
120
106
0.50
N/A
25.0
N/A
18.9
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
7.8
7.0
1.5
2005
115
96
0.60
N/A
27.0
N/A
17.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
9.3
1.7
2004
109
92
0.62
N/A
25.6
N/A
16.7
N/A
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
8.8
N/A
2003
110
77
0.75
N/A
27.4
N/A
17.1
N/A
0.022
0.008
26.9
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.9
N/A
2002
124
68
0.67
N/A
27.9
N/A
17.4
N/A
0.008
0.010
25.0
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.6
N/A
2001
126
73
0.66
N/A
30.0
N/A
17.8
N/A
0.020
0.008
22.8
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.0
N/A
2000
115
52
0.68
N/A
29.4
N/A
16.0
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Bronx
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
58.3%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
9%
Transportation
The Bronx is served by NYC's extensive subway and bus network, offering a quicker commute to Manhattan. Portland's public transportation system is also impressive, with options like buses, a light rail system, and bike paths, catering to its green living values.
Transport
Type
Bronx
Portland
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
39
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bronx
Portland
Bicycle
0.2%
3.1%
Bus
15.6%
4.6%
Carpooled
9.3%
9.4%
Car alone
27%
76.2%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
2%
0.9%
Streetcar
0.2%
0.3%
Subway
34.6%
0%
Taxicab
1.3%
0.1%
Walked
7.2%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bronx
Portland
Average
44.2 min
28.8 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in the Bronx are generally high due to its location. Meanwhile, Portland has seen an inflow of individuals contributing to a rise in real estate prices, although still lower than the Bronx.
Neighborhoods
The Bronx is home to diverse communities like Riverdale and Arthur Avenue. Portland offers neighborhoods like Pearl District known for its arts scene and The Alphabet District with its historic homes.
Houses and residents
Type
Bronx
Portland
Houses
490,659
303,483
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Houses occupied
463,212 (94.4%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
90,522 (19.5%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
372,690 (80.5%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,273
$1,917
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$708,992
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$465,000
$520,200
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
6.2
Renting percentage
80.7%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
11,675
2,259.4
Household income disparities
50.2%
44.7%
Housing units without a mortgage
12,021 (34%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.3%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
23,339 (66%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,053 (5.8%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,159 (6.1%)
12,832 (11.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,572
25,437
State government workers
14,515
15,615
Unpaid family workers
1,000
688
Industries and Occupations
The healthcare industry predominantly employs Bronx locals. It's also known for its strong arts, entertainment, and media jobs thanks to its proximity to Manhattan. Portland, in comparison, has numerous job opportunities in the tech industry and is growing in the sector of green jobs.
The Bronx, part of New York City, has world-class hospitals like Montefiore Medical Center and Jacobi Medical Center. Portland also has excellent healthcare services, including Oregon Health & Science University Hospital and Providence Portland Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Bronx
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The Bronx, like most of New York City, struggles with aged infrastructure and congested traffic. On the flip side, Portland prides itself on sustainable practices with well-maintained roads and energy-efficient buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Bronx
Portland
Hospitals
57
21
TV stations
30
18
Bank branches located here
118
208
Bank institutions located here
24
30
Main business address for public companies
2
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
4
16
Schools
School facilities
Type
Bronx
Portland
Private elementary/middle schools
54
45
Private high schools
20
27
Public elementary/middle schools
285
126
Public high schools
155
21
Colleges/Universities
9
37
Culture and Food
The Bronx is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and food variations, from Italian at Little Italy/Arthur Avenue to Caribbean food. Portland, alternatively, offers a distinctive craft culture, which extends to their food scene with a strong focus on local and organic ingredients.
Sports Teams
Bronx is home to the famous Yankee Stadium and the New York Yankees. Portland houses the NBA team, Portland Trail Blazers, and is known for its enthusiastic soccer culture with Portland Timbers and Thorns FC.
Bronx, NY
Portland, OR
Bronx, NY and 
Portland, OR : 2,439.8 miles
