Cost of Living in Ashland, OR

With a cost of living index of 125, Ashland, OR is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 25% more expensive than the national average and 18% above the Oregon state average of 106. Ashland is a smaller community of 21,343 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ashland's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,367 (4% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $573,700 (88% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Ashland is $71,782, which is 4% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Ashland. The area sees an average annual temperature of 55.9°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 18.4 inches spread over roughly 103 days.

Everyday prices in the Medford, OR (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.