Cost of Living in Eugene, OR

With a cost of living index of 113, Eugene, OR is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 13% more expensive than the national average and 6% above the Oregon state average of 106. As a major city with a population of 177,520, Eugene offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Eugene's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,347 (2% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $435,400 (43% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Eugene is $63,836, which is 15% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% 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 Eugene. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.1°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 42°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.8 inches spread over roughly 146 days.

Everyday prices in the Eugene-Springfield, 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.