Cost of Living in Milwaukie, OR

An Overview of Cost of Living in Milwaukie, OR

Understanding the cost of living in Milwaukie can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Milwaukie cost of living index is 128, which is 28% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Milwaukie is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Milwaukie falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Milwaukie cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 74% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Milwaukie is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 10.5% higher than the national average.

Is Milwaukie Affordable?

Is Milwaukie affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Milwaukie, the median home price is 93.3% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 28.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Milwaukie boasting a median household income of $70,037, 26.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Milwaukie?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Milwaukie, the groceries index is 10.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Milwaukie starts at 0% and the income tax rates start at 4.75%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Milwaukie, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.