Cost of Living in Waterloo, OR

With a cost of living index of 89, Waterloo, OR is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 11% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the Oregon state average of 106. Waterloo is a small community of 242 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Waterloo's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,094 (17% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $236,500 (22% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.8x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Waterloo is $61,458, which is 18% 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 Waterloo. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.2°F, with summers averaging 64°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 41.5 inches spread over roughly 143 days.

Everyday prices in the Albany, OR (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.