Cost of Living in Milwaukie, OR

With a cost of living index of 122, Milwaukie, OR is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 22% more expensive than the national average and 15% above the Oregon state average of 106. Milwaukie is a smaller community of 21,256 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Milwaukie's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,499 (14% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $477,200 (57% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Milwaukie is $82,422, which is 10% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% 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 Milwaukie. The area sees an average annual temperature of 55.1°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.9 inches spread over roughly 157 days.

Everyday prices in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA (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.