Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Multnomah County

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

← Back to Multnomah County Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$95,740
$1,721/mo

Median in area: $1,721

$575,014

Median in area: $575,014

$115,003

If you Rent

🔑
$1,864 /mo
Base Rent$1,721
Est. Utilities$143
% of Income23.4%
Pre-tax Residual$6,114

If you Buy

🏠
$3,717 /mo
P&I (6.932%)$3,039
Taxes & Ins$535
Est. Utilities$143
% of Income46.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,261

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Multnomah County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyHood River County, OR
$1,562/mo
countySkamania County, WA
$1,101/mo
countyWashington County, OR
$1,946/mo
countyClark County, WA
$1,888/mo
countyClackamas County, OR
$1,803/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Multnomah County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,864, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,717 per month (a difference of $1,853).

How much do utilities cost in Multnomah County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Multnomah County is approximately $143. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Multnomah County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $74,560 per year.