Cost of Living in Merlin, OR

With a cost of living index of 103, Merlin, OR is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 3% more expensive than the national average and 4% below the Oregon state average of 106. Merlin is a small community of 1,355 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Merlin's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,090 (17% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $419,100 (37% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Merlin is $66,342, which is 12% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Merlin. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.9°F, with summers averaging 62°F and winters around 38°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.7 inches spread over roughly 126 days.

Everyday prices in the Grants Pass, 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.