Harrisburg, OR vs Merlin, OR

Harrisburg, OR and Merlin, OR have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.8% difference in their overall index. Harrisburg scores 99 while Merlin scores 103 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Harrisburg is $1,225/month compared to $1,090/month in Merlin — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Merlin has cheaper rent, Harrisburg actually has lower median home values ($304,100 vs $419,100).

Median household income in Harrisburg is $74,006 compared to $66,342 in Merlin (+11.6%). Harrisburg offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Harrisburg spend roughly 19.9% of their income on rent, more than the 19.7% in Merlin.

Climate-wise, Harrisburg is notably warmer with an average of 53.1°F compared to 48.9°F in Merlin. Harrisburg receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 40.7" in Merlin.