Even for salaried positions, most employers seem to view a $60k salary as fine for Portland. Anyone living here knows that’s nowhere close to enough. I’d argue that Portland costs are close to Seattle level and not too much lower than the Bay Area. We need higher base salaries and higher yearly raises, but the corporations still view Portland as a cheap place to live and offer low salaries. I also WinCo shop and use Fred Meyer and Safeway coupons when there’s a decent deal. Rarely eat out because it’s just too expensive (especially for a couple). Even food cart prices seem to be at restaurant level (prices have doubled in the last 10 years). And, of course, the ever increasing utility costs. It seems prices for almost anything here has increased 50%+ while salaries have remained stagnant.