Cost of Living in Madras, OR

With a cost of living index of 89, Madras, OR is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 11% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the Oregon state average of 106. Madras is a smaller community of 7,596 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Madras's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $942 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $291,400 (4% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Madras is $56,590, which is 25% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Madras. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.9°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 35°F. Annual rainfall totals 8.5 inches spread over roughly 78 days.

Everyday prices in the Bend, 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.