Cost of Living in Oregon

Oregon has a cost of living index of 106, making it 6% more expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $76,182 (1% above the US median of $75,149). Across 373 cities tracked in Oregon, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Oregon cities is $1,254/mo (5% below the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $385,243 (26% above the national figure of $304,900). There is a 94-point spread between the most affordable city, Ontario (index 78), and the most expensive, Lake Oswego (index 172) — a large gap that shows significant regional cost differences.

When evaluating Oregon, it helps to look beyond the state average. Individual city costs can deviate significantly — use the map and rankings below to compare specific locations.

The largest cities in Oregon by population are Portland (index 131, pop. 642,715), Eugene (index 113, pop. 177,520), Salem (index 107, pop. 176,666), Gresham (index 119, pop. 112,818), and Hillsboro (index 134, pop. 107,050). All of these major cities are above the state average, a pattern common in states where metro areas drive up costs relative to rural communities.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.