Brooklyn, NY, and Portland, OR, are two distinct cities with unique cultural, economic, and geographical attributes. Brooklyn—part of the densest urban area in the US—offers diverse, exciting, city life with access to an expansive workforce and industries, while Portland offers a more moderate-paced lifestyle with a focus on sustainability, close-knit communities, outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts scene. The lifestyle, cost, and amenities significantly differ between these two places, making this comparison both intriguing and full of contrasts.
Crime rates in both cities vary depending on the area. However, overall, Brooklyn tends to have a higher crime rate than Portland. As a borough of NYC, Brooklyn experiences urban crime issues, although it's worth noting that NYC's crime rates have significantly declined over the years. On the other hand, Portland’s crime rates are average for U.S. cities, with some neighborhoods reporting lower than national averages.
Cost of Living
It's more expensive to live in Brooklyn compared to Portland. The cost of housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are generally higher in Brooklyn. Portland, while more affordable than many West Coast cities, is one of the pricier locations in Oregon, but still significantly cheaper than Brooklyn.
Income Tax
Both New York State and Oregon have progressive income tax systems. However, New York City residents, including those living in Brooklyn, are subject to an additional city income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are notably higher in Brooklyn compared to Portland. However, the actual amount paid depends on the area's appraised property values, which are generally higher in Brooklyn.
Sales Tax
New York State has a 4% sales tax, and New York City adds an additional 4.5%, for a total of 8.5%. Oregon is one of the few states that do not have a sales tax, making Portland more attractive from a consumption standpoint.
Income
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Estimated median household income
$67,567
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$39,536
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.4
106.5
If you make $50,000 in Portland, you will have to make $87,042 in Brooklyn to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Brooklyn, situated on the western part of Long Island, is predominantly flat with beaches on the southern edge. Its urban landscape contrasts with Portland's combination of downtown cityscape and surrounding natural beauty, including nearby mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Geographical information
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Land area
70.6 sq. miles
134.3 sq. miles
Population density
35,956 people per sq. mile
4,773.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Brooklyn, NY Portland, OR
Education
Both cities value education and have a multitude of public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions. Brooklyn offers several prestigious universities like Brooklyn College and Pratt Institute, while Portland is home to Portland State University and Reed College. However, public school quality can vary greatly in both cities, making neighborhood selection very important.
Brooklyn's economy is diverse with industries ranging from finance, real estate, healthcare, retail, and film & television. It is part of the larger NYC economy, the largest regional economy in the U.S. On the other hand, Portland's economy is more focused on technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Both cities offer different job opportunities, but NYC, including Brooklyn, tends to have a higher saline average.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Brooklyn include JP Morgan Chase & Co., NYC Health Hospitals, and National Grid. In Portland, the top employers are Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Oregon Health & Science University.
In Brooklyn (Kings County), 82.1% voted for Democrats and 16.9% 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
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
2020
76.9%
79.2%
22.2%
17.9%
1.0%
2.9%
2016
79.6%
73.3%
17.5%
17.0%
2.9%
9.7%
2012
82.1%
75.4%
16.9%
20.6%
0.9%
4.0%
2008
79.9%
76.7%
20.1%
20.6%
0.0%
2.7%
2004
75.0%
71.6%
24.3%
27.1%
0.7%
1.3%
2000
81.0%
63.8%
15.7%
28.3%
3.3%
7.9%
1996
80.1%
59.2%
15.1%
26.3%
4.9%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.9%
15.2%
7.5%
6.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.8%
0.3%
4.2%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.9%
0.8%
3.8%
2.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.0%
0.9%
5.2%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.7%
2.3%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.9%
2.0%
4.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
0.5%
2.4%
3.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.6%
2.2%
Weather
The weather contrasts significantly between these two cities. Brooklyn experiences a typical Northeast climate, with cold, often snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Meanwhile, Portland is known for its moderate, oceanic climate with cool, wet winters, and warm, dry summers. The city does receive substantial rainfall throughout the year, and snowfall is less common and less intense than in Brooklyn.
Weather and climate
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Temperature - Average
55.1°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.7%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.1%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.8%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50.7%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.5 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
53.4 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.7%
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
10.6 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Brooklyn, New York
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Portland
Brooklyn
Portland
2018
93
79
0.31
0.26
16.8
8.8
24.2
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
7.2
0.4
0.4
2017
95
93
0.25
0.26
17.0
8.7
24.5
22.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
7.1
0.3
0.4
2016
93
72
0.31
0.25
17.7
8.7
24.8
20.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2
5.2
0.5
0.2
2015
100
91
0.38
0.28
18.2
9.2
24.1
20.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
7.4
0.7
0.5
2014
95
91
0.38
0.24
18.5
8.5
23.5
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
6.3
0.9
0.8
2013
96
85
0.41
0.29
18.9
9.6
24.4
17.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
8.6
1.0
1.1
2012
98
78
0.44
0.30
18.3
9.1
24.4
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
7.4
1.6
0.6
2011
107
89
0.43
0.34
20.7
9.4
23.6
18.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
8.1
2.4
0.8
2010
112
80
0.43
0.33
19.4
9.1
24.7
19.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
6.4
2.3
1.4
2009
104
95
0.43
0.32
21.5
10.2
20.7
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
8.4
3.1
1.6
2008
109
101
0.47
0.34
22.6
10.9
21.3
19.2
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.8
8.8
4.1
1.0
2007
121
101
0.53
0.35
23.5
11.4
20.8
18.1
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
8.8
4.8
1.3
2006
116
106
0.61
N/A
24.2
N/A
20.7
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
7.8
5.7
1.5
2005
107
96
0.74
N/A
26.1
N/A
19.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
7.5
1.7
2004
106
92
0.74
N/A
25.8
N/A
18.5
N/A
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
7.1
N/A
2003
107
77
0.81
N/A
27.4
N/A
18.4
N/A
0.021
0.008
26.9
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.4
N/A
2002
122
68
0.76
N/A
27.9
N/A
19.9
N/A
0.008
0.010
26.2
N/A
N/A
8.4
6.5
N/A
2001
121
73
0.80
N/A
29.5
N/A
22.3
N/A
0.020
0.008
27.3
N/A
N/A
8.9
7.8
N/A
2000
115
52
0.92
N/A
29.8
N/A
20.3
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
56.4%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.8%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
9%
Transportation
Brooklyn benefits from NYC's extensive public transportation system, which includes subways, buses, and ferries. The average commute time is longer due to the city's size and traffic. Portland, while smaller, also has significant public transit options, including buses, light rail, and streetcars. Many residents also bike to work, helped by the city's bike-friendly infrastructure.
Transport
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
149
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Bicycle
0.5%
3.1%
Bus
10.4%
4.6%
Carpooled
8%
9.4%
Car alone
22.4%
76.2%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
1.4%
0.9%
Streetcar
0.2%
0.3%
Subway
44.8%
0%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.1%
Walked
8.8%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Average
44.5 min
28.8 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Brooklyn is generally more expensive than in Portland. Properties in Brooklyn can range from historic brownstones to high-end luxury condos. Portland's real estate includes a variety of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses, many with unique, eclectic architectural styles.
Neighborhoods
Brooklyn offers neighborhoods for every lifestyle, ranging from the hipster-friendly Williamsburg to the family-oriented Park Slope. Brooklyn's neighborhoods are often bustling and dense. Portland neighborhoods are more spaced out, with some akin to the suburban feel. Neighborhoods like the Pearl District offer urban downtown living, while areas like Eastmoreland and Laurelhurst provide a quieter, more residential feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Houses
930,866
303,483
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.3
Houses occupied
880,727 (94.6%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
238,290 (27.1%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
642,437 (72.9%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,589
$1,917
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,621,117
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$793,300
$520,200
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.2
6.2
Renting percentage
72.3%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
13,184
2,259.4
Household income disparities
48.5%
44.7%
Housing units without a mortgage
29,251 (32.9%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
183 (0.2%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,793 (67.1%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
4,512 (5.1%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,098 (5.7%)
12,832 (11.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
45,971
25,437
State government workers
27,527
15,615
Unpaid family workers
2,234
688
Industries and Occupations
Brooklyn hosts diverse industries with the top employment sectors being healthcare, professional services, retail, and manufacturing. For Portland, the high-tech industry is significant, often dubbed the "Silicon Forest." Other crucial industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Both Brooklyn and Portland offer quality healthcare services. Brooklyn, being part of NYC, is home to some of the best hospitals in the country like NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital. Portland also has highly ranked hospitals, such as OHSU Hospital and Providence Portland Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Brooklyn's infrastructure reflects its role as part of NYC with towering skyscrapers, historic buildings, and an expansive public transportation system. Portland’s infrastructure comprises a mix of historic and modern buildings, with significant investment in bike lanes and public spaces to promote a sustainable lifestyle. Both cities, however, face challenges related to infrastructure maintenance and improvement.
Infrastructure
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Hospitals
104
21
TV stations
29
18
Bank branches located here
271
208
Bank institutions located here
41
30
Main business address for public companies
9
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
12
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
75
16
Schools
School facilities
Type
Brooklyn
Portland
Private elementary/middle schools
151
45
Private high schools
128
27
Public elementary/middle schools
405
126
Public high schools
176
21
Colleges/Universities
48
37
Culture and Food
Brooklyn provides a rich blend of cultures and an incredible food scene. It's famous for its delicatessens, pizza, and globally influenced cuisine. Portland, known as a "foodie" city, is famous for its thriving restaurant scene, food carts, craft beer, and coffee. Both cities are notable for their cultural diversity and vibrant arts scenes.
Sports Teams
Both cities have dedicated sports fan bases. Brooklyn is home to the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and the New York Islanders (NHL). Portland, on the other hand, boasts the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), and the Portland Timbers (MLS).
Brooklyn, NY
Portland, OR
Brooklyn, NY and 
Portland, OR : 2,441.6 miles
