La Grande, OR vs Phoenix, OR
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. La Grande is 17.7% cheaper than Phoenix. With a cost index of 86 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from La Grande to Phoenix should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in La Grande is $970/month compared to $1,263/month in Phoenix — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: La Grande is more affordable at $244,200 median vs $367,700.
Median household income in La Grande is $56,409 compared to $60,656 in Phoenix (-7%). Phoenix does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of La Grande spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, less than the 25% in Phoenix.
Climate-wise, Phoenix is notably warmer with an average of 55.9°F compared to 42.8°F in La Grande. La Grande receives more rainfall at 37.3" per year compared to 18.4" in Phoenix.
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NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)