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Cost of Living in Clackamas County

Is it better to rent or buy in Clackamas County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$109,022
$1,803/mo

Median in area: $1,803

$633,909

Median in area: $633,909

$126,782

If you Rent

🔑
$1,983 /mo
Base Rent$1,803
Est. Utilities$180
% of Income21.8%
Pre-tax Residual$7,102

If you Buy

🏠
$4,072 /mo
P&I (6.909%)$3,343
Taxes & Ins$549
Est. Utilities$180
% of Income44.8%
Pre-tax Residual$5,013

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Clackamas County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyWashington County, OR
$1,946/mo
countyHood River County, OR
$1,562/mo
countyWasco County, OR
$1,078/mo
countyMultnomah County, OR
$1,721/mo
countyMarion County, OR
$1,458/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Clackamas County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Clackamas County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,983, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,072 per month (a difference of $2,089).

How much do utilities cost in Clackamas County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Clackamas County is approximately $180. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Clackamas County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Clackamas County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $79,320 per year.