Cost of Living in Oregon
Overall index: 112.8 — ranked #13 of 51 (above average cost).
Where your money goes in Oregon
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Oregon
Estimated annual spending: $76,160($1,160 over budget)
Metro areas in Oregon
What things cost in Oregon
| Item | Oregon | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $490,000 | $360,000 | +$130,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,784/mo | $1,400/mo | +$384 |
| Gas (regular) | $4.26/gal | $3.50/gal | +$0.76 |
| Electric bill | $98/mo | $137/mo | $39 |
| Infant childcare | $19,064/yr | $13,500/yr | +$5,564 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.29 | $4.95 | +$0.34 |
| Monthly groceries | $438/mo | $410/mo | +$28 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Oregon vs national average
What a salary in Oregon is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,400 | +$6,400 |
| $75,000 | $84,600 | +$9,600 |
| $100,000 | $112,800 | +$12,800 |
| $125,000 | $141,000 | +$16,000 |
| $150,000 | $169,200 | +$19,200 |
| $200,000 | $225,600 | +$25,600 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Oregon to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Oregon with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Oregon?
Oregon has an overall cost-of-living index of 112.8, making it above average cost (ranked #13 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $490,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,784/month.
Is Oregon expensive to live in?
Yes, Oregon is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 112.8 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 127.4% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Oregon?
The median home price in Oregon is $490,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,784/month. Oregon's housing index is 127.4 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 27.400000000000006% above the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Portland has a housing index of 168.
How much are groceries in Oregon?
Oregon's grocery index is 106.8 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.29 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $438, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Oregon?
The average monthly electric bill in Oregon is $98 based on the state's residential rate of 11.11¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Oregon?
Center-based infant childcare in Oregon averages $19,064/year ($1,589/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Oregon?
A $75,000 salary in Oregon has the same purchasing power as $66,489 at the national average cost of living. Because Oregon is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Oregon?
Major metro areas in Oregon include: Portland (130.5). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 112.8. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Oregon Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Oregon taxes
- House Affordability in Oregon — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Oregon take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.