Cost of Living in Wallowa, OR

With a cost of living index of 87, Wallowa, OR is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 13% cheaper than the national average and 20% below the Oregon state average of 106. Wallowa is a small community of 609 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Wallowa'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 $318,400 (4% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Wallowa is $47,798, which is 36% 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. 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 Wallowa. The area sees an average annual temperature of 42.8°F, with summers averaging 58°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.3 inches spread over roughly 146 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.