Cost of Living in Milton-Freewater, OR

With a cost of living index of 79, Milton-Freewater, OR is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and 28% below the Oregon state average of 106. Milton-Freewater is a smaller community of 7,096 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Milton-Freewater's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $817 (38% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $209,800 (31% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Milton-Freewater is $47,440, which is 37% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Milton-Freewater. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.3°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 18.7 inches spread over roughly 109 days.

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.