Cheapest Places to Live in Oregon

Oregon, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and diverse cultural offerings, offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Landmarks such as Crater Lake National Park, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge highlight the state's natural attractions. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. Oregon's tax structure includes relatively high income taxes but no sales tax, which can impact overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Oregon remains one of the more affordable states in the Pacific Northwest, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Oregon an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Oregon can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Oregon include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Milton-Freewater Population: 7,044 19% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $131,800 Med. Rent: $586 Med. Household Inc.: $39,028

With a cost of living index that is 19% cheaper than the state average, Milton-Freewater is the cheapest place to live in Oregon. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Milton-Freewater provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Ontario Population: 11,031 17% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $121,600 Med. Rent: $671 Med. Household Inc.: $35,917

The second most affordable city in Oregon is Ontario and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 17% cheaper than the Oregon average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Umatilla Population: 7,215 15% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $158,200 Med. Rent: $772 Med. Household Inc.: $48,677

Umatilla lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Oregon, with a cost of living that is 15% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Hermiston Population: 17,512 14% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $164,800 Med. Rent: $793 Med. Household Inc.: $58,341

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Hermiston offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 14% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Baker City Population: 9,786 13% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $161,800 Med. Rent: $686 Med. Household Inc.: $46,607

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Baker City is ideal, with a cost of living that is 13% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Oregon average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

La Grande Population: 13,380 12% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $183,600 Med. Rent: $823 Med. Household Inc.: $45,573

La Grande comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Oregon and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 12% cheaper than Oregon. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Altamont Population: 18,982 11% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $162,700 Med. Rent: $825 Med. Household Inc.: $48,285

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Altamont is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Pendleton Population: 16,685 11% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $193,800 Med. Rent: $802 Med. Household Inc.: $54,834

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Pendleton fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 11% cheaper than Oregon.

Sweet Home Population: 9,763 11% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $156,000 Med. Rent: $976 Med. Household Inc.: $45,424

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Sweet Home is one of the most affordable cities in Oregon, and has a cost of living that is 11% cheaper than the state average.

Klamath Falls Population: 21,509 10% cheaper than Oregon average

Med. Home Value: $180,900 Med. Rent: $766 Med. Household Inc.: $40,783

With a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than Oregon, Klamath Falls comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Oregon. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Oregon

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Milton-Freewater	7,044	90	$131,800	$39,028
2	Ontario	11,031	92	$121,600	$35,917
3	Umatilla	7,215	95	$158,200	$48,677
4	Hermiston	17,512	96	$164,800	$58,341
5	Baker City	9,786	97	$161,800	$46,607
6	La Grande	13,380	98	$183,600	$45,573
7	Altamont	18,982	99	$162,700	$48,285
8	Pendleton	16,685	99	$193,800	$54,834
9	Sweet Home	9,763	99	$156,000	$45,424
10	Klamath Falls	21,509	100	$180,900	$40,783
11	Sutherlin	8,060	100	$169,300	$46,293
12	Green	8,149	100	$156,500	$57,737
13	White City	9,506	102	$174,700	$48,651
14	Winston	5,444	102	$184,700	$45,114
15	Coos Bay	16,326	103	$200,900	$49,478
16	Prineville	10,429	103	$196,800	$42,298
17	Lebanon	17,144	104	$193,200	$45,215
18	Cottage Grove	10,302	105	$216,100	$50,765
19	Roseburg	23,237	105	$206,900	$47,920
20	North Bend	9,708	106	$228,700	$59,577
21	Madras	6,934	107	$201,900	$39,107
22	Junction City	6,140	107	$238,900	$59,411
23	Tillamook	5,308	107	$201,400	$45,737
24	Springfield	62,729	107	$226,300	$49,938
25	Veneta	5,010	108	$220,100	$49,240
26	Sheridan	6,122	108	$203,400	$53,929
27	Talent	6,553	108	$222,900	$36,051
28	The Dalles	15,518	108	$216,100	$53,457
29	Four Corners	16,491	110	$206,200	$55,928
30	Albany	54,442	110	$244,000	$62,172
31	Creswell	5,445	110	$240,600	$72,305
32	Florence	9,037	111	$258,400	$48,944
33	Hayesville	22,189	111	$216,700	$57,673
34	Grants Pass	37,938	111	$260,400	$46,580
35	Monmouth	10,411	112	$262,600	$47,585
36	Independence	10,178	112	$220,100	$54,617
37	St. Helens	13,779	112	$235,700	$57,234
38	Philomath	5,143	112	$264,900	$77,938
39	Woodburn	26,008	112	$230,500	$52,251
40	Mount Hood Village	5,231	113	$248,400	$60,572
41	Newport	10,767	113	$277,800	$49,792
42	Dallas	16,612	114	$253,400	$58,398
43	Eagle Point	9,316	114	$252,100	$76,711
44	Medford	82,098	114	$278,100	$52,243
45	Lincoln City	9,007	115	$257,900	$46,080
46	Redmond	31,359	115	$279,700	$64,852
47	Central Point	18,648	115	$289,400	$73,015
48	Salem	171,806	116	$266,200	$58,726
49	Warrenton	5,635	116	$263,800	$61,991
50	Eugene	170,457	117	$304,500	$103,576

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Oregon, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.