Portland seems to be a wee bit expensive compared to living in Rochester, NY (where I used to live), especially the groceries. The rent is also expensive if you live by the water, but this is expected. Overall, my main gripe is with the cost of food. Lovely place to live, though

$1545 on rent (includes heat and hot water and pet rent for 1 dog)
1250 sq.ft. townhouse with 2.5 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms, covered parking,
patio, vaulted ceilings
$70 on electric utility
$75 for cable
$50 a month on gas (drive a Honda Civic that gets 35mpg highway), more if I visit
family
$350 on health insurance, Rx's, and doctor's visits
$400 on groceries for 2 people (we buy organic and eat fresh veggies/fruits)
$75 on eating out for 2 every month (we don't eat out very often)