Portland, where the dream of the 90s is still alive! Whether you’re an outdoor sports guru interested in maximizing your time on mountain and coast or a caffeinated fashionista joining the hipster pilgrimage, Portland, Oregon, is a fun and funky place to inhabit. But the intention to be a Portlander is only part of the formula; you still need a place to crash, right? Let’s find you a flippin’ sweet apartment.
Oregon’s called the Evergreen State for a reason: rainfall amounts to forty inches a year in Portland, over half this amount accruing between November and February
Portland, where the dream of the 90s is still alive! Whether you’re an outdoor sports guru interested in maximizing your time on mountain and coast or a caffeinated fashionista joining the hipster pilgrimage, Portland, Oregon, is a fun and funky place to inhabit. But the intention to be a Portlander is only part of the formula; you still need a place to crash, right? Let’s find you a flippin’ sweet apartment.
Oregon’s called the Evergreen State for a reason: rainfall amounts to forty inches a year in Portland, over half this amount accruing between November and February. So you’ve got to be prepared to conduct your daily existence in the bald threat of wetness. Invest in some good boots and a raincoat. And—if you’re a bike commuter—front and back fenders are absolutely essential.
The maritime climate may keep temperatures mild (it rarely strays more than fifteen degrees on either side of 53° F, the annual average), but latitude dictates surprisingly short winter days. If you’re worried about seasonal affective disorder, be sure to choose a pad with lots of natural light and south-facing windows.
The following rent averages come from current listings on our website. Rent prices listed are averages and may not reflect the cost of specific units. Rental prices can vary depending on factors like size, location, amenities, and availability.
On average, expect to pay around $1,420 per month for a studio apartment in Portland.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Portland is approximately $1,865 per month.
In Portland, a 2-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $2,687 per month.
A 3-bedroom apartment in Portland will cost, on average, $2,527 per month.
Think of Portland as the littlest brother in a trio of Pac NW cities: Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington, lie to the north along the heavily trafficked I-5 corridor. Portland has decent public transport options, and Amtrak offers rail travel north as well as south (to Corvallis and Eugene). But if you aim to make it out to stunning Cannon Beach or up to staggering Mt. Hood, both within a 100 miles of the metro area, you’ll need a car.
Lots of people rent with pets in Portland, and major rental listing websites like Apartment List allow filtering by pet-friendliness. Simply select “Dog-Friendly” or “Cat-Friendly” in your preferences when you start your search. But keep in mind you might encounter some restrictions:
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Weight & breed restrictions: While dogs are popular even in the busiest parts of the city, be aware that many buildings (especially high-rises) have weight or breed limits for pets, often stricter than other locations.
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Building size and amenities: Larger buildings and those with dedicated pet amenities like dog runs are more likely to be pet-friendly.
Still have questions about renting in [City]? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from people who are moving to the city for the first time:
Rents are dropping in Portland as of April 2024; according to our rental estimate data, rent was down 4.1% over the previous year, and only up slightly (0.7%) over the previous month.
The vacancy rate in Portland is low, so do be prepared for some competition when looking for an apartment. However, leasing is not particularly difficult compared to other cities. Just keep in mind apartments can get leased quickly, sometimes the same day they are listed. Be prepared to act fast and have your application materials in order.
Here are some tips to improve your chances of approval:
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Strong Application: Good credit score (around 690), proof of income, and a co-signer if needed can strengthen your application.
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Be Flexible: Be open to different neighborhoods or apartment sizes to expand your options.
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Start Early: Look for rentals a month or two in advance, especially if you're moving during peak seasons.
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Search Broadly: Utilize various rental platforms like Apartment List, property management websites, and social media.
Portland is bisected vertically by the Willamette River and horizontally by Burnside St., rendering four quadrants: Southwest, Northwest, Southeast, and Northeast. Yet the ubiquitous “Keep Portland Weird” slogan characterizes even the city’s geography. That’s right, there’s a fifth “quadrant,” North Portland.
Home to two of the city’s largest universities, Portland State and OHSU, Southwest is the quieter option for those hungry for downtown amenities. Upscale dining without the touristy bustle? Find it here. Brownstone duplex apartments.
The veritable heartbeat of Portland’s financial sector. PGE Park hosts MLS soccer games, Powell’s City of Books always has a world-renowned author lecturing, and Nob Hill’s got the highest per capita boutique greeting card stores. The only quadrant where the average building height exceeds five stories. Chic and contemporary studios.
The original bohemian ghetto. This neighborhood birthed Stumptown Coffee almost 20 years ago and Hawthorne St. has more vintage clothing stores than stoplights. Can’t stop showing off your fixie? Contemplating yet another tattoo? You’ll love Southeast. Room in a shared co-op.
Highest percentage of homes on the historic registry. Beautiful, tree-lined avenues scattered by the occasional brewpub or roastery. Serene and suburban (but not, ya know?). Renovated “Old Portland” craftsman house.
Recently revitalized, North is quickly becoming the new artist hotbed. Home to Adidas, a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a slew of Ethiopian restaurants.
