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Cost of Living in Oregon

Is it better to rent or buy in Oregon? 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.

$89,145
$1,559/mo

Median in area: $1,559

$499,744

Median in area: $499,744

$99,949

If you Rent

🔑
$1,707 /mo
Base Rent$1,559
Est. Utilities$148
% of Income23.0%
Pre-tax Residual$5,722

If you Buy

🏠
$3,176 /mo
P&I (6.819%)$2,611
Taxes & Ins$417
Est. Utilities$148
% of Income42.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,252

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Oregon?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Oregon. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,707, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,176 per month (a difference of $1,469).

How much do utilities cost in Oregon?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Oregon is approximately $148. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Oregon?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Oregon without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $68,280 per year.