Cost of Living in Oregon Cities: These Are the Top 5

Updated On October 6, 2023
Oregon Portland at night

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of Western America.

This Pacific Northwest state is known for its wild west past, traditions, and many natural marvels.

Moreover, in this state is Crater Lake, one of the deepest lakes in the United States.

Oregon is home to beautiful desert scenery.

Oregon is furthermore the largest lumber-producing area in whole America.

Have we mentioned that in this state are the biggest mushroom on earth?

So, there is no doubt that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places to live in the United States.

But, what is the real price of living in this state?

Keep reading the text below – we will discuss the essential sorts for living in this state.

Plus, you can find out which cities are the top five most expensive for living here.

The Cost of Living in This State

Unfortunately, all of those beautiful benefits come with one big drawback.

Oregon, as an American state, is one of the most expensive states for living.

So, this state is the 5th most expensive state for living, where the cost of living is 32% higher than the national average.

Firstly, housing costs take up an enormous part of your financial budget.

Owning a home in Oregon is pretty expensive – which means more than the average price of a house in Oregon is around $360,200.

The regular price for rent in Oregon is $1,140.

That price can be even costly in some bigger cities.

Unfortunately, the cost of living in this state is high, and part of that is basically the housing market.

Utility Costs

On the positive side, utility bills are one of the less expensive things in Oregon.

The average electric bill here is just $96.

In Portland, the standard monthly utility bill is $180.

Eugene is much lower, at just $120.

On the other side, in Salem, the capital city, the standard monthly bill for utility is $155.

Food Costs

In general, food prices in Oregon are much less compared to the national standard for food cost.

Globally, the average monthly grocery bill ranges from $220 to $359.

For example, in Eugene, that range is exactly in the middle, from $270 to $300.

Having lunch in a restaurant is also not soo priced.

A lunch meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost from $20 to about $45.

Transportation Costs

Prices for transport are another factor that will level up the actual cost of living in Oregon.

We could surely say that Oregon is the fifth most expensive state in America.

In Oregon, the gasoline price is $2.67 per gallon.

And as for insurance payments, the standard car insurance cost in Oregon is $1,450.

Also, it is meaningful to know that public transportation prices are pretty high compared to the prices in other states.

For example, a one-month pass will cost you around $100.

The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State

Portland

Known as Bridge city for its many bridges over the Willamette River, Portland is also famous for its range of lifestyles.

If you have seen the show Portlandia, you know what we mean.

Portland is a residence for business elites, sports fanatics, and outdoor fans.

But, compared with other cities, Portland is a relatively expensive city.

The regular price for a home is much higher, or around $540,900.

On the other side, the regular rent cost per one month is more than $1.250.

Not surprisingly, since its largest city, Bridge City is one of the largest cities in Oregon.

The cost of living is 19.9% higher than the national average.

As for restaurant prices – a meal for one person in an inexpensive restaurant is around $21, and a meal for two people is $70.

A one-way ticket for local transport is also expensive – $3.50.

If you prefer a monthly ticket, be prepared to pay roughly $120.

Eugene

Eugene is a city center of Willamette Valley and is around 100 miles south of Bridge City.

This city is recognized for the most popular University – the University of Oregon and, even more, four other private well-known colleges.

On top of that, this city is the best place if you want outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, and also, if you are an art lover.

However, there is no relatively low cost of living in this city compared to other cities in Oregon.

Seeing that, a one-way pass for local transport is around $8.90, while a monthly ticker is near $110, which is a high price for Oregon.

Even so, healthcare costs are 5% higher than the national average.

One doctor’s visit can cost you $120, and a dentist visit is almost $100.

The regular price for a home in this city is $404,20, or much less than in Portland.

The regular monthly rental price in Eugene is $1,500.

Salem

Salem is a city in the Willamette Valley.

Salem has been the capital of Oregon since 1851.

Today it is recognized for its scenic beauty.

Salem is full of gardens, fields of flowers, vineyards, and green pastures.

The city is amazingly located an hour from the ocean and an hour from the Cascade Mountains.

Salem is quite a bit less expensive than Portland.

The average home price in Salem is $355,403, which is around $150.000 less than Portland.

As for renting, many apartments in Oregon’s capital rent between $1,000 and $1,500 per month.

The average cost of living in Salem is $1968, which is in the top 17% of the most expensive cities in the world.

Gresham

Gresham is in Oregon, just immediately east of Portland.

In this city, the cost of living is 189% higher than the national average.

Housing prices in Gresham are 34% more heightened than the national standard housing prices.

In detail, the home price is $454,720, and the average rent is around $1,524 per month.

As for food and grocery – Gresham has prices for food that are 14% higher than the national standard norm for food and groceries.

For instance, a loaf of fresh bread is more than $3.90, one gallon of milk – $2.78, and a carton of eggs (regular 12) is around $3.45.

Healthcare in Gresham is 6% higher than the national average.

Hillsboro

Hillsboro is the fifth-largest city in Oregon and is the county seat of Washington County.

It is the most famous city in this state.

In the meantime, the most expensive one too.

For example, you can expect exceptional healthcare service but for pretty expensive prices.

A one doctor’s visit is around $125.

And, what makes this city more expensive is -transportation costs.

Imagine that only for one monthly ticket for local transport, you could pay around $128.

As for other prices, like food costs in the supermarket, we can mention that they are almost exactly as in Gresham.

Oregon Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Oregon Safety Review

Safety Index:
88
Oregon
  • OVERALL RISK: LOW
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
  • MUGGING RISK: LOW
  • TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
  • SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Leave a Comment

Share
Facebook Pinterest