Cost of Living in The Dalles, OR

With a cost of living index of 92, The Dalles, OR is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 8% cheaper than the national average and 15% below the Oregon state average of 106. The Dalles is a smaller community of 15,973 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in The Dalles's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $956 (28% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $318,400 (4% above 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 The Dalles is $62,830, which is 16% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% 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 The Dalles. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.4°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 38°F. Annual rainfall totals 13.7 inches spread over roughly 96 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.