Oregon cost of living
Moving to a new state can be a great chance to start over — professionally and personally. However, the process of moving does come with its share of challenges. Get the practical matters squared away so you can find the right place for you and your family. To help, we’ve outlined some of the cost of living considerations in Oregon.
The median rent in Oregon is $1,807.93, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Oregon spend $249.31 weekly on food at home and $99.60 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.12 in Oregon.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Oregon pay $1,113 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Oregon
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Oregon is $1,807.93, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Oregon broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Oregon had a median cost of $1,201 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,363 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,682 and $1,896, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Oregon is $513,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Portland metro area was $574,000 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Oregon ranks No. 24 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.93%.
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Food costs in Oregon
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Oregon is $249.31, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Oregon residents spend an average of $99.60 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Oregon
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Oregon is $4.12, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Oregon is $1,024.83, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transit opportunities depend on where you live in Oregon. Portland was No. 17 in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. The average fare was $1.02 in 2022.
Health care costs in Oregon
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Oregon employees $1,113 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,978 of the $7,091 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Oregon
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Oregon is $108.03, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Oregon costs $13.85 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Oregon compare with the national average?
We found Oregon to be the ninth-most expensive state in our 2023 survey.
How much do I need to make to live in Portland?
A single adult needs to earn about $70,000 a year to live comfortably in Portland, according to our study in 2024 on the income required to live in various U.S. cities.
Is Oregon friendly to renters?
Despite its higher overall cost of living, favorable protections for renters make the Beaver State good for renters as of 2024.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
