Oregon Cost of Living
Can you afford to live in the Beaver State?
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Oregon attracts new residents for its natural beauty, job opportunities and lifestyle. But day-to-day expenses can vary based on where you settle and your family’s needs.
To determine the cost of living in Oregon, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent official sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a complete picture of everyday expenses.
People in Oregon spend $55,412 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe average rent in Oregon is $1,485, versus the national average rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Oregon spend $249.31 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.98 in Oregon.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Oregon pay $1,082 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Oregon
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Oregon was $55,412 in 2023. This figure covers the broad range of what Oregon residents use each year, including housing, health care, groceries, energy costs and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Oregon:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Oregon |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $10,005 |
| Health care | $9,155 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $4,933 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,311 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $30,007 |
| Total cost | $55,412 |
Housing costs in Oregon
Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most Oregon residents. According to Apartments.com’s 2025 data, Oregon’s average rent is $1,485, which is less than the national average rent of $1,639. Where you choose to live — whether it’s Portland, a smaller city or a rural area — will significantly affect rent and housing quality. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey shows the following average monthly rents in Oregon:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,280
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,490
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,783
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,990
For buyers, the median home price in Oregon is $518,800, which is more than the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Property taxes in Oregon also influence the cost of owning a home, with Oregon ranking No. 24 nationally. The state has an effective property tax rate of 0.78%.
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Food costs in Oregon
Grocery expenses in Oregon depend on your shopping habits and household size. The most recent Census data reports that the average weekly grocery spend in Oregon is $249.31, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21.
Oregon’s food budget can shift noticeably based on where you live and how you approach meals. Those who regularly cook at home and buy in bulk may keep costs lower, especially outside major cities. However, dining out — particularly in popular spots like Portland or along the coast — can quickly drive up monthly expenses.
Transportation costs in Oregon
Oregon drivers pay an average of $3.98 per gallon of regular gas, which is slightly less than the national average of $3.13.
For auto insurance, the average premium in Oregon is $1,087.70. The U.S. average is $1,258 for similar coverage.
Health care costs in Oregon
The average annual employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance in Oregon is $1,082. Employers typically pay the remaining $6,880 out of the $7,962 total yearly premium.
For comparison, the national average employee contribution is $1,640, with a total average premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Oregon
The average monthly electric bill in Oregon is $117.66, compared with the national average of $136.84.
Natural gas prices in Oregon are $13.80 per thousand cubic feet, while the U.S. average is $12.92.
FAQ
Does Oregon have a high cost of living?
No, Oregon does not have a high cost of living compared with the national average. Home prices are higher than in most states, but rent is comparatively low.
Is Oregon a good place to live?
Yes, Oregon is a good place to live if you value natural surroundings, a strong sense of community and a slightly lower overall cost of living than the national average. The state’s popularity with newcomers suggests that many people are drawn to Oregon’s lifestyle, outdoor activities and employment opportunities.
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Is Oregon good for renters?
Yes, Oregon is good for renters. Renters benefit from a combination of affordability and some of the strongest tenant protections in the country.
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:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
