Oregon is a beautiful western US State, filled with one of the most diverse landscapes in the country.
It is one of the only three states in the lower region that shares a coast with the mighty Pacific Ocean.
This place is bordered by the Ocean on one side and deserts and mountains on the other, making it a perfect place to settle in.
However, before you get fascinated by its picturesque beauty, it’s good to know the Oregon living cost to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Here’s a comprehensive guide covering all information about the factors affecting Oregon’s overall living cost.
Is the cost of living cheap in Oregon?
No, not at all. Living in Oregon comes with a hefty price tag, especially if you want to settle in the urban cities of the state, like Portland.
It is speculated that living in Portland is around 17% more expensive than living in other US cities of similar size.
Hence, before moving to Oregon, you should check the overall cost of living in this state and evaluate if you can afford the high-end expenses.
Is Oregon expensive to live?
Yes. Oregon is counted among the most expensive places in the USA to settle in.
A recent study claims that the cost of living index in this western US state is around 124.4, which means you’ll have t pay 24.4% more for everything, including groceries, housing, utilities, and whatever you need to enjoy a comfortable living.
The most expensive part of living in Oregon is housing cost due to the shortage of homes.
Cost of Living in Oregon
Before you move to Oregon, let’s find out a detailed guide on the cost of living in this beautiful US state.
Here, we have outlined all essential factors that affect Oregon living cost, including groceries, health plans, utilities, education, housing price, and many more. Read the guide to the end and decide accordingly.
1. Groceries Prices in Oregon
While the cost of living in the US State of Oregon is expensive, people can still save on groceries.
According to Bestplaces, the cost of groceries index in Oregon is 100.4, which is almost similar to the national average. However, groceries in Oregon vary from one city to another.
We have compared the grocery cost in Oregon’s top 10 cities to give you a clear idea. Check them out and make a decision accordingly.
| City | Groceries |
|---|---|
| Portland | 103.7 |
| Eugene | 100.9 |
| Bend | 102.2 |
| Medford | 100.5 |
| Corvallis | 101.7 |
| Coos Bay | 98.4 |
| Salem | 100.3 |
| Springfield | 99.7 |
| West Inn | 105.6 |
| Tualatin | 104.0 |
How much does food cost in Oregon?
A single adult spends an average of $3,249, and a family of four spends $9,470 on food annually in Oregon.
How much does a loaf of bread cost in Oregon?
According to Numbeo, a loaf of fresh white bread costs $3.07.
2. Price of Utilities in Oregon
People moving to Oregon must be aware of the utility price to get a clear idea of how much they’ll be going to spend in this state.
You’ll be glad to find out you can save on utilities as it’s not as expensive as the overall cost of living.
The typical electric bill in this state is estimated to be $94, which puts it below the national average of $107. In terms of utilities, this state is ranked #36 out of 50.
Scroll down and find the utility price in the top 10 cities of Oregon.
| City | Utilities |
|---|---|
| Portland | 79.9 |
| Eugene | 81.3 |
| Bend | 83.6 |
| Medford | 89 |
| Corvallis | 80.7 |
| Coos Bay | 63.6 |
| Salem | 79.3 |
| Springfield | 79.6 |
| West Inn | 83 |
| Tualatin | 81.7 |
How much is an electric bill in Oregon?
In Oregon, the average electric bill for residential consumers is $94/ month, and it can be easily calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electricity rate.
How much do utilities cost in Oregon?
Utilities in Portland, Oregon, generally cost around $174.97. However, when it comes to the cost of living, utility bills are one of the few places where you can save.
3. Cost For Healthcare in Oregon
Healthcare is an integral factor to consider when evaluating the cost of living in Oregon. According to the US News, healthcare in Oregon is ranked #32 in Health Care Access and #17 in Public Health.
Moreover, this US state offers free coverage for residents in Oregon who meet the eligibility criteria.
It includes free hospital care, mental health service, doctor visits, dental, and some vision care.
According to Best places, the average cost of health index in Oregon is 94.6, which is way lower than the national average.
Here’s a quick rundown of the healthcare cost in the top 10 cities in Oregon.
| City | Health |
|---|---|
| Portland | 90.6 |
| Eugene | 96 |
| Bend | 97.9 |
| Medford | 105.3 |
| Corvallis | 95.1 |
| Coos Bay | 99.6 |
| Salem | 92.8 |
| Springfield | 96 |
| West Inn | 91.2 |
| Tualatin | 90.2 |
What is the income limit for the Oregon Health Plan?
To apply for the Oregon Health Plan, the income should be less than $1,507 per month.
What is the average cost of health per month in Oregon?
The average cost of a health plan for a single adult in Oregon is around $467 per month. However, the cost varies from one health plan to another.
How much is health insurance for a family of 4 in Oregon?
The average health insurance cost for a family of four in Oregon is $1,152 per month.
4. Oregon Home Prices
The real estate market in this US state is highly competitive, making it difficult for new residents to buy a home.
This value multiplies by manifolds if you live in big cities of the state, like Portland, where housing expenses are 66% higher than the national average.
The average home value in Oregon is $512,667, and it keeps increasing year over year.
Here, we have mentioned the median home value in all the best places to live in Oregon. Check them out and move accordingly.
| City | Home Value |
|---|---|
| Portland | $536,900 |
| Eugene | $408,700 |
| Bend | $634,200 |
| Medford | $359,400 |
| Corvallis | $437,900 |
| Coos Bay | $266,600 |
| Salem | $354,500 |
| Springfield | $350,200 |
| West Inn | $669,400 |
| Tualatin | $574,400 |
Are house prices dropping in Oregon?
No, not yet. Instead, it is believed that house prices in Oregon will rise 6% by the end of 2022. However, experts estimate that the price will fall by 5% in 2023 and 5% in 2024.
How is the housing market right now in Oregon?
The housing market in Oregon is somewhat competitive. Home prices were up 3.4% year-over-year in October.
How much are home prices up in Oregon?
The home prices in Oregon are up 8.7% compared to last year, making the median home value $520,000.
5. Education in Oregon
Education is yet another factor that contributes a lot to the overall cost of living in Oregon by city.
This state has a public school system, which is governed by locally elected school boards and superintendents.
According to WalletHub, the public school system in Oregon has ranked #44 out of 50 states and Washington, DC, with a total score of 38.07.
Also, Bestplaces has ranked Oregon #23 in Higher Education and #37 in Pre-K-12. The state has 197 public school districts, operating a total of 1,274 public schools.
How much does public school cost in Oregon?
Public schools in Oregon are free of cost and open to all students. They also don’t charge any tuition fees.
How much does college cost for 4 years in Oregon?
The tuition fees for Oregon Colleges is around $7,739 for in-state and $20,520 for out-of-state. However, the value varies from one college to another, and several other factors contribute to the overall education cost.
Is the public school in Oregon free?
Yes, absolutely. Public Schools in Oregon are free of cost. They are funded by taxpayers and open to all students.
How much does Oregon university cost?
The tuition fee of Oregon University is $15,054, and the price for on-campus housing is $14,640.
6. Oregon Tax Rates
Before you estimate the final cost of living in Oregon by County, it’s essential to check the tax rate and make a move accordingly.
The best part about living in Oregon is that it has no sale tax; however, residents have to pay the income tax, with rates ranging from 4.75% to 9.90%, depending on their income.
In addition, some jurisdictions also collect local income taxes. Residents also have t pay the corporate income tax rate of 7.60% if they fall into that criteria.
All in all, Oregon is moderately tax-friendly, making it a good place to move in.
What is the income taxes in Oregon?
The income tax rate bracket is between 4.75% to 9.90%, depending on the income. People with a taxable income of $3,750 will pay 4.75%, and those with over $125,000 will pay 9.90%.
What is the sales tax in Oregon?
There’s no sale tax in Oregon.
What is the property taxes in Oregon?
The effective property tax rate in Oregon is 0.90%, slightly lower than the national average of 1.07%.
7. Oregon Public Transportation
Oregon features an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to travel without a car or any private vehicles.
Public Transit, like TriMet Buses, MAX Light Rail, Portlander Streetcar, and Portland Aerial Tram, are the most convenient way to access many popular destinations.
Portland, Oregon, is ranked among the transit cities in the country with a reliable and convenient public transportation system.
However, the cost of transport in this city is a bit higher than the state’s average. Find the best time to visit Portland Oregon, and commute throughout the city comfortably.
Scroll down the page and find the cost of public transportation in the top 10 cities in Oregon.
| City | Transportation |
|---|---|
| Portland | 129.9 |
| Eugene | 88.5 |
| Bend | 82.6 |
| Medford | 80.3 |
| Corvallis | 78.9 |
| Coos Bay | 71.8 |
| Salem | 96.1 |
| Springfield | 91.3 |
| West Inn | 128.9 |
| Tualatin | 120.6 |
How much is a bus pass in Oregon?
The bus pass in Oregon for a single ride is $1.75 for adults and $0.85 for Half Fare & Youth. However, you can opt for the monthly pass as well, which costs $50 for adults and $25 for Half Fare and Youth.
How much does public transportation cost per month in Oregon?
The public transportation cost is about $50 for adults and $25 for youth in Oregon.
8. Average Cost For Energy & Fuels in Oregon
Yet another factor to consider when evaluating the cost of living in Oregon is energy and fuels.
The average residential electricity rate in Oregon is 11.59 cents/ kWh and for a commercial is 9.09 centra/ kWh, which is way lower than the US average.
However, the fuel price in Oregon is slightly expensive, and this price increare is driven by supply constraints with Several West Coast refineries offline for maintenance.
What is the current gas price in Oregon?
The current average gas price in Oregon is $4.824, and diesel is $5.559. Oregon has the nation’s fourth-highest gas prices, ranking behind only California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
What is the average heating bill in Oregon?
The average heating bill in Oregon is $120/ month.
9. Miscellaneous Things in Oregon
Last but not least, the thing you should take into account when evaluating the oregon living cost is miscellaneous things, including all other necessities, like internet, cinema, gym membership, and many more.
According to Bestplaces, the miscellaneous cost of living index in Oregon is 108.2, slightly higher than the country’s average of 100.
Here’s a quick rundown of the cost of miscellaneous things in Oregon.
| Miscellaneous Things | Price |
|---|---|
| Gym Membership | $45.1 |
| Cinema Ticket | $11.6 |
| Toothpaste | $2.23 |
| Internet Plan | $66.2 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant for Two | $60.3 |
| Brand Jeans | $52.2 |
Cost of Living in Oregon FAQs
What is the cheapest rent in Oregon?
The cheapest rent in Oregon starts from $410 for a studio room. You can find such affordable rents in some special places, including Woodburn, Baker City, Hermiston, Dallas, Klamath Falls, Milwaukie, Tualatin, West Inn, Albany, Umatilla, and Gresham.
What factors are included in estimating your cost of living in Oregon?
Many factors estimate the cost of living in Oregon, including energy, food, healthcare, housing, transportation, utilities, and many others.
Moreover, this state has high job opportunities, attracting more and more people, thus, increasing the overall cost of living.
What is the minimum wage in Oregon?
The minimum wage in Oregon is $13.50 an hour for companies in the common area; however, the final amount depends on several factors, including the company or field you work in and where you live.
Oregon’s new wage rises up to 5.4% in several counties, such as Multnomah and Washington.
Conclusion
That’s all about the cost of living in Oregon. We hope our guide will help you in deciding whether moving to Oregon is worth it or not.
It’s no secret that Oregon is counted among the most expensive places in the US to live in.
But, this state offers several benefits, like diverse landscapes, no sales tax, free public schools, and a bounty of robust wineries.
So, what keeps you waiting for now? Find the best places to live in Oregon for young adults, compare the cost of living in different cities, and make a move accordingly.