Go to any one of the numerous "cost of living" web sites and you will see that, for the most part, Portland is a more expensive place to live. The biggest factor to the higher cost of living is housing - around 150% more expensive for a house in Portland! However, utilities in Portland are quite a bit lower than in OKC. I think Oklahoma summers blow away the electricity bills for the year. Transportation is a little more expensive in Portland, probably due to cheaper gas in OKC. As I mentioned in this blog, if you're lucky gas use can be greatly reduced. A monthly pass on the Tri Met will run you about $76, which is probably a lot less than you are paying in gas per month in OKC. So, I don't really believe the transportation stat, unless they include oil changes and maintenance.
Food is supposedly more expensive in Portland (but not by much), according to the web. But I don't know if the cost of living sites include sales tax in their comparisons. Recall that OR does not charge sales tax. OK has a sales tax rate of 4.5% with each city taking their cut, to make usual sales tax around 8%. So, I had a thought: how does OK having sales tax affect the price difference for food and supplies?
Fortunately, this blog has a correspondent in each city, making this study a breeze. For our comparison stores, Sara used a Super Target, while I used a Target and Fred Meyers (like Albertson's). Ideally we would have compared two of the same store, but the Portland area is not blessed with Super Targets. Anyone who is familiar with Albertson's will know it is always a bit more expensive than other stores in the area, so keep that in mind when I reference Fred Meyers. Also, these totals would constitute those times when EVERYTHING runs out in your house. You know the annoying run to the store where you need two shopping carts and people look at you like you are one of those crazy survivalists...
For ordinary, no-food items, like tooth paste, laundry soap, and paper towels:
Portland $175.88
OKC $180.38
BUT WAIT, don't forget the sales tax!
OKC $194.81
Advantage Portland. Interestingly, most of the Target brands were the EXACT SAME PRICE. But adding sales tax you pay 8% more in OKC.
Now for food items, like bananas, frozen foods, etc. This is a mix of Target and Fred Meyers for the Portland totals.
Portland $85.82
OKC $75.85
OKC w/ tax $81.92
Advantage OKC. Bananas were cheaper in Portland, but many other items were slightly cheaper in OKC. Produce and meat are items that vary week to week, so most of the food stuff compared probably came from a box/jar. Coffee was a dollar cheaper in Portland (have to compete with all different kinds), while a 12 pack of Coke was a dollar cheaper in OKC.
So based on this comparison, with sales tax it is slightly more expensive to buy food and supplies in OKC. But since you don't have to buy tooth paste every week, you may save a little bit from week to week in OKC.
Side note: It is hard to compare restaurant prices, since the cost of a meal varies from establishment to establishment in a city, let alone comparing two cities. Going out to eat may have been included in the overall cost of living calculations from "official" sites. I am probably paying a bit more just eating near the downtown area. Let's just say my average "sit down" restaurant bill for a hamburger, fries, and a coke (or was it a beer?) is around $12 plus tip. Some other day I can go to the chain fast food places and see how those compare between cities, but not today.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
People on the Street
I have to say that a good majority of people in Portland are nice. Not the fake, "society says I should be nice, so I'll play along," but genuine nice. If you are in a store and mention that you are relocating to Portland, they'll go out of their way to tell you places to go and things to do around town. Even the lady who cut my hair last week went on and on about the different things I should do out here: the zoo, some aquarium on the coast with a completely glass tunnel underground, recreational adventures, etc. It is really helpful for a newbie to have this outpouring of kindness and help.
Today I was walking to work and received the most interesting of salutations. As I was walking past a bus stop, a guy waiting there said, "What's happening cool daddy-o". I was taken off guard, not because he spoke to me, but just that wasn't something I would expect to hear in real life. The funny thing is, this guy could totally pull off saying things like that. We looked like a 5o year old cool cat himself (I can't pull that off, sorry). This gentleman looked as if he would have been one of those late 70s detectives from the cop shows - the stylish african-american partner. The clothing he was wearing was definitely vintage, from his own collection no less.
I replied to his greeting with a simple, "Hey". If I see him again, and he extends a similar greeting, I will try a more eloquent reply. The funny thing about this encounter is that the rest of the day I was in a good mood. I couldn't help but smile the rest of the way into work as I replayed his greeting. It makes me appreciate even a friendly (and genuine) greeting, it might just affect someones day (and the might even blog about it!).
Today I was walking to work and received the most interesting of salutations. As I was walking past a bus stop, a guy waiting there said, "What's happening cool daddy-o". I was taken off guard, not because he spoke to me, but just that wasn't something I would expect to hear in real life. The funny thing is, this guy could totally pull off saying things like that. We looked like a 5o year old cool cat himself (I can't pull that off, sorry). This gentleman looked as if he would have been one of those late 70s detectives from the cop shows - the stylish african-american partner. The clothing he was wearing was definitely vintage, from his own collection no less.
I replied to his greeting with a simple, "Hey". If I see him again, and he extends a similar greeting, I will try a more eloquent reply. The funny thing about this encounter is that the rest of the day I was in a good mood. I couldn't help but smile the rest of the way into work as I replayed his greeting. It makes me appreciate even a friendly (and genuine) greeting, it might just affect someones day (and the might even blog about it!).
Monday, June 16, 2008
Nerd Post with GAS!
One of the virtues of Portland, and a major reason for our move to PDX, is a mature mass transit system. This system incorporates buses, light rail, street cars, and commuter trains. Anywhere that is worth getting to in the metropolitan area is accessible via TriMet. In contrast, OKC has a bus system, trolleys in downtown, and a water taxi in Bricktown.
I found an interesting story a few days ago, about "Oklahoma's Painful Car Culture". It basically discusses how spread-out thing are in Oklahoma, and how far a commute it is for many citizens in the Sooner state. The story also listed the top and bottom 10 cities to weather an oil crisis. Portland came in at #6, or the sixth best city to hold up during an oil crisis. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City came in at #50 on the list (worst to weather an oil crisis). Now I know, OKC is closer to oil and refineries, so they should get the gas first. But since Oklahoma is a smaller population state, could they be bypassed for areas willing to pay more for gas? I think the main weighing factors for the list were public transit network, transit use, and other bike and human trails.
Back in Oklahoma, I used to drive 20 miles a day for work. Now that I live in Portland, the drive is 0 miles. In fact, most of the miles I've put on my car have been due to house hunting. For the 35 days prior to our trip to Oregon, I drove 723 miles, using 26 gallons of gas, for a cost of $87. During the 35 days I've lived in Portland I drove 458 miles using 19 gallons of gas, for a cost of $81. So, I have not been in traffic as much and not polluted the air as much. However, due to increases in gas from March to June, the savings has only been $6.00. I have a feeling that the next 35 days will be a one tank range. Worst-comes-to-worst, if gas gets too expensive, I can hop on TriMet.
So one of my goals, drive less, has been accomplished. Way to go!
I found an interesting story a few days ago, about "Oklahoma's Painful Car Culture". It basically discusses how spread-out thing are in Oklahoma, and how far a commute it is for many citizens in the Sooner state. The story also listed the top and bottom 10 cities to weather an oil crisis. Portland came in at #6, or the sixth best city to hold up during an oil crisis. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City came in at #50 on the list (worst to weather an oil crisis). Now I know, OKC is closer to oil and refineries, so they should get the gas first. But since Oklahoma is a smaller population state, could they be bypassed for areas willing to pay more for gas? I think the main weighing factors for the list were public transit network, transit use, and other bike and human trails.
Back in Oklahoma, I used to drive 20 miles a day for work. Now that I live in Portland, the drive is 0 miles. In fact, most of the miles I've put on my car have been due to house hunting. For the 35 days prior to our trip to Oregon, I drove 723 miles, using 26 gallons of gas, for a cost of $87. During the 35 days I've lived in Portland I drove 458 miles using 19 gallons of gas, for a cost of $81. So, I have not been in traffic as much and not polluted the air as much. However, due to increases in gas from March to June, the savings has only been $6.00. I have a feeling that the next 35 days will be a one tank range. Worst-comes-to-worst, if gas gets too expensive, I can hop on TriMet.
So one of my goals, drive less, has been accomplished. Way to go!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Bonus Bridges!
And you thought I might leave out bridges over the mighty Columbia in our survey of bridges, HA! There are two Portland bridges connecting Oregon to Washington, over the Columbia River. Your standard massive highway bridges. The heaviest traveled bridge is the Glenn Jackson Bridge, which carries I-205 traffic from Vancouver, WA to Portland (because let's face it, no one would want to go the other way). I often hear of traffic tie-ups on or near this bridge during rush hour.
The other bridge in the area is the Interstate Bridge. This is an interesting bridge because it carries I-5 traffic, and lifts to let boats go under. Not sure how that works with traffic... I will have to investigate! This is also two, two, two bridges in one!
Oh! To be totally accurate about yesterday's post, there is also a railroad bridge that serves Portland, on the Willamette. It is the BNSF Railroad Bridge. Just wanted to be thorough. So do you see why it's called Bridgetown?
***UPDATE***
(6/14) I had the pleasure of diving over both the Glen Jackson and Interstate Bridges tonight! It was my first time to cross the Columbia River (unless you count the times playing Oregon Trail!). The Columbia is even more mighty near Portland than where we first encountered it. The Interstate Bridge gives you a great view of the Columbia River, and is a pretty neat bridge, if your into that sort of thing. If you ever head north on I-5 over the Columbia, stay in the right lane. Look to your right and you will see an amazing site: the Columbia River Valley with Mount Hood in the background! Awesome!
Old Mr. Jackson bridge, on the other hand, was not really that exciting, no trusses, arches, or trains (although there is a bike lane in the median). In my little car you couldn't really see over the side, and only once did I get a good glimpse of the Columbia (but it was also getting dark). The bridge is about 2 miles long, so it is kind of like driving on the Crosstown Expressway in OKC ... only I didn't have to avoid holes in the bridge deck while driving the Glen Jackson.
The other bridge in the area is the Interstate Bridge. This is an interesting bridge because it carries I-5 traffic, and lifts to let boats go under. Not sure how that works with traffic... I will have to investigate! This is also two, two, two bridges in one!
Oh! To be totally accurate about yesterday's post, there is also a railroad bridge that serves Portland, on the Willamette. It is the BNSF Railroad Bridge. Just wanted to be thorough. So do you see why it's called Bridgetown?
***UPDATE***
(6/14) I had the pleasure of diving over both the Glen Jackson and Interstate Bridges tonight! It was my first time to cross the Columbia River (unless you count the times playing Oregon Trail!). The Columbia is even more mighty near Portland than where we first encountered it. The Interstate Bridge gives you a great view of the Columbia River, and is a pretty neat bridge, if your into that sort of thing. If you ever head north on I-5 over the Columbia, stay in the right lane. Look to your right and you will see an amazing site: the Columbia River Valley with Mount Hood in the background! Awesome!
Old Mr. Jackson bridge, on the other hand, was not really that exciting, no trusses, arches, or trains (although there is a bike lane in the median). In my little car you couldn't really see over the side, and only once did I get a good glimpse of the Columbia (but it was also getting dark). The bridge is about 2 miles long, so it is kind of like driving on the Crosstown Expressway in OKC ... only I didn't have to avoid holes in the bridge deck while driving the Glen Jackson.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Bridges of Multnomah Co.
The Willamette (Will-LAMB-et) is a river that cuts through Portland. The downtown area of Portland is situated on the banks of the Willamette. So, it goes without saying that there needs to be bridges to connect east and west Portland (a fleet of 10,000 ferry boats just isn't cost effective). The neat thing about the bridges over the Willamette is that many of them are draw/lift bridges.
Going from upstream (south end of Portland) to the Columbia River (north Portland).
Sellwood Bridge - A really old bridge that will probably be closed to all but pedestrian traffic someday. This is a fixed bridge with about 75 feet of clearance.
Ross Island Bridge - The only cantilever truss bridge in Oregon. Whatever that means. This bridge is also fixed (boring!) and doesn't actually touch Ross Island (what a jip!).
Marquam Bridge - Possibly the least exciting bridge in Portland. Nothing too descript, but it does have two decks, one for each direction of flow.
Hawthorne Bridge - My favorite bridge of the collection. It actually has a section that lifts! And is the oldest type of lift bridge in operation for the US. The Hawthorne Bridge also served as a neat backdrop for the Obama rally.
Morrison Bridge - One of three actual "bascule bridges in Portland (and I thought they were draw bridges). I usually end up crossing this one when coming back from the airport, in case you care.
Burnside Bridge - A second bascule bridge in Portland. I think it is an architecturally neat bridge. And it has earthquake protection! I was almost stopped by this bridge once, but it was nice and let me cross.
Steel Bridge - A real original name I know. It has just about all kinds of traffic: cars, trains, and people. Honestly, it kind of creeps me out.
Broadway Bridge - The third bascule bridge.
Fremont Bridge - Another fixed bridge carrying interstate traffic. Like the Marquam bridge, there are two decks. Allegedly, it is the second longest tied arch bridge in the world. I can see this bridge from my office, and it almost always looks busy during the day. Fortunately, when I've driven on it, the traffic was light.
St. Johns Bridge - I didn't know this bridge existed...need to get out more.
(special thanks to Portland Logue and Wikipedia for the bridge information)
Going from upstream (south end of Portland) to the Columbia River (north Portland).
Sellwood Bridge - A really old bridge that will probably be closed to all but pedestrian traffic someday. This is a fixed bridge with about 75 feet of clearance.
Ross Island Bridge - The only cantilever truss bridge in Oregon. Whatever that means. This bridge is also fixed (boring!) and doesn't actually touch Ross Island (what a jip!).
Marquam Bridge - Possibly the least exciting bridge in Portland. Nothing too descript, but it does have two decks, one for each direction of flow.
Hawthorne Bridge - My favorite bridge of the collection. It actually has a section that lifts! And is the oldest type of lift bridge in operation for the US. The Hawthorne Bridge also served as a neat backdrop for the Obama rally.
Morrison Bridge - One of three actual "bascule bridges in Portland (and I thought they were draw bridges). I usually end up crossing this one when coming back from the airport, in case you care.
Burnside Bridge - A second bascule bridge in Portland. I think it is an architecturally neat bridge. And it has earthquake protection! I was almost stopped by this bridge once, but it was nice and let me cross.
Steel Bridge - A real original name I know. It has just about all kinds of traffic: cars, trains, and people. Honestly, it kind of creeps me out.
Broadway Bridge - The third bascule bridge.
Fremont Bridge - Another fixed bridge carrying interstate traffic. Like the Marquam bridge, there are two decks. Allegedly, it is the second longest tied arch bridge in the world. I can see this bridge from my office, and it almost always looks busy during the day. Fortunately, when I've driven on it, the traffic was light.
St. Johns Bridge - I didn't know this bridge existed...need to get out more.
(special thanks to Portland Logue and Wikipedia for the bridge information)
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