Cash Flow Investing in Portland, OR
Data-driven cash flow analysis for Portland, OR — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for Cash Flow
Cap Rate
4.2%
Moderate
Rent-to-Price
0.36%
Below 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
5.5%
Very tight
Property Tax
1.07%
Low
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
Portland rent control and tenant protections make it one of the most landlord-unfriendly markets in the US. Strong tenant quality but regulatory risk is significant for small investors.
How Portland Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #34 | Philadelphia, PA | 3.8 | 5.6% | $240,000 |
| #35 | Nashville, TN | 3.8 | 5.2% | $400,000 |
| #36 | Phoenix, AZ | 3.8 | 4.9% | $385,000 |
| #37 | Portland, OR | 3.8 | 4.2% | $480,000 |
| #38 | Houston, TX | 3.7 | 6.3% | $265,000 |
| #39 | Chicago, IL | 3.5 | 6.0% | $275,000 |
| #40 | Dallas, TX | 3.5 | 5.7% | $340,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Portland for this strategy.
Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return
Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cash flow score for Portland, OR?
Portland, OR scores 3.8 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #37 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: rent-to-price ratio (30%), cap rate (30%), low vacancy (20%), low property taxes (20%). Scale 0–10.
Is Portland a good city for cash flow investing?
Portland, OR ranks #37 for cash flow investing with a score of 3.8/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.
What is the average cap rate in Portland?
The average cap rate in Portland, OR is 4.2%. The median home price is $480,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,750, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.36%.
What are the property taxes in Portland?
The effective property tax rate in Portland, OR is 1.07%. On a $480,000 property, that translates to approximately $5,136 per year in property taxes.
How does Portland compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Portland, OR ranks #37 for cash flow investing. Other markets may be stronger for this particular strategy, though it may excel in different approaches.
Does Portland meet the 1% rule?
Portland, OR has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.36%, which falls significantly below the 1% rule. However, the 1% rule is a rough guideline — individual deals can still cash flow well in this market.
Run Your Own Numbers for Portland
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Portland, OR market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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