Cost of Living in Ontario, OR

With a cost of living index of 78, Ontario, OR is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 22% cheaper than the national average and 28% below the Oregon state average of 106. Ontario is a smaller community of 11,728 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ontario's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $790 (40% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $217,500 (29% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Ontario is $43,887, which is 42% lower 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. 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 Ontario. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.7°F, with summers averaging 75°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 9.5 inches spread over roughly 80 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.