Best Affordable Places to Live in Oregon in 2024

Best Places to Live in Oregon

If you like tranquility and the outdoors, Oregon has the best places to live. It also has towns that combine an urban feel with the beauty of nature because the mountains or coast are never too far away. Here’s a look at the best living the state has to offer.

💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage loan. When you buy a home, SoFi offers a guarantee that your loan will close on time. Backed by a $5,000 credit.‡

Best Affordable Places to Live in Oregon

The factors used to determine the best affordable places to live in Oregon include the cost-of-living composite index, which factors in the cost of housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and goods and services. Here are five towns to consider.

1. Coos Bay

Photo credit: iStock/mdurson

Coos Bay is one of the more affordable towns in Oregon. Food, utilities, and the cost of living overall won’t break the bank. House prices are also reasonable, and the median house price is $311,000. This town is renowned for its numerous food festivals held annually, including celebrations of seafood, blackberries, cranberries, and other local foods.

Population: 15,840

Median Household Income: $48,233

Cost of Living: 91% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,250/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.4

Average Property Tax: 0.82%

Housing Affordability: Living in Coos Bay is less expensive than in other areas of the United States but still not cheap. The home price-to-income ratio is relatively high, but that could possibly be lowered with first-time homebuyer programs in Oregon. Rental costs rose $400 year over year.

2. Baker City

Photo credit: iStock/peeterv

Baker City is one of the cheapest places to live in the state; it stacks up favorably vs. the cost of living in Oregon. It is located in the northwestern corner of the state and is known for the Elkhorn Mountains, Anthony Lakes Ski Area, and the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. Median home prices in this area average around $170,000.

Population: 10,247

Median Household Income: $46,721

Cost of Living: 86% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $806/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.6

Average Property Tax: 0.97%

Housing Affordability: The median home value in Baker City is only $170,000. So, this town has a low price-to-income ratio compared to the rest of the state, which could be a good thing if you are a first-time homebuyer. There is growing demand for rentals, and the prices are rising.

3. Hermiston

Photo credit: iStock/ChrisBoswell

Hermiston is the largest city in eastern Oregon, and it is an agricultural hub producing delicious watermelons. Other attractions are the Columbia River and Hat Rock Park. The cost of living here is low compared to the rest of the state and lower than the national average.

Population: 19,423

Median Household Income: $60,871

Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,800/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.2

Average Property Tax: 1.27%

Housing Affordability: The average cost of a single-family home in Hermiston, Oregon in 2023 is $193,800, which is affordable. The rental market is showing increasing demand, and rents have increased $400 year-on-year.

4. Dallas

Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Dallas has a low unemployment rate among its 15,000 residents. The cost of living here is lower than the national average, so it is an affordable city in comparison to other parts of Oregon.

Population: 17,488

Median Household Income: $60,511

Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,300/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.6

Average Property Tax: 1.12%

Housing Affordability: The cost of living in Dallas is relatively affordable compared to many other cities in the United States. The median home price in Dallas is $276,800. And rents are almost 40% less than national median rents.

5. Woodburn

Photo credit: iStock/Petivut Kunadoonyakit

Woodburn is known for its tulip farms and a one-month-long tulip festival. This town is low-cost with the average home costing a reasonable $241,300.

Population: 27,290

Median Household Income: $54,330

Cost of Living: 100% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,700/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.4

Average Property Tax: 1.15%

Housing Affordability: The average cost of a single-family home in Woodburn, Oregon, in 2023 is $241,300, which is moderately high for Oregon. The rental market is on the upswing and is 19% less than the national average.

💡 Quick Tip: Not to be confused with prequalification, preapproval involves a longer application, documentation, and hard credit pulls. Ideally, you want to keep your applications for preapproval to within the same 14- to 45-day period, since many hard credit pulls outside the given time period can adversely affect your credit score, which in turn affects the mortgage terms you’ll be offered.

Best Places to Live in Oregon for Families

Curious about the best places to live in Oregon for families? These are five top options based on overall affordability, housing costs, as well as family-friendly amenities, outdoor activities, and parks.

1. Beaverton

Photo credit: Flickr/Tracy Lee Carroll , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Beaverton is only seven miles from Portland, the state capital. It has 90 parks, 30 miles of hiking trails, and 25 miles of bike paths for families that love the outdoors. Parents looking at Beaverton will appreciate that the area’s schools receive high ratings and Anthem College and Portland Community College offer local higher education opportunities.

Population: 97,053

Median Household Income: $82,280

Cost of Living: 116% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,894/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.1

Average Property Tax: 1.08%

Housing Affordability: The cost of living is higher here than the national average, and the price to income ratio at 5.1 is high. A healthy price-to-income ratio is 2.6, but most of Oregon exceeds this.

2. Bend

Photo credit: iStock/DC_Colombia

Like most of Oregon, Bend has plenty of outdoor attractions. This town also has a booming job market in sectors such as retail and hospitality. Families are drawn here in part because the public schools are highly rated. Oregon State University-Cascades and Central Oregon Community College offer higher education options.

Population: 103,254

Median Household Income: $74,253

Cost of Living: 107% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,695/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.2

Average Property Tax: 0.87%

Housing Affordability: The cost of living in Bend is higher than the national average and the home price-to-income ratio is high, something to keep in mind as you embark on the mortgage preapproval or prequalification process. Rental costs are higher than the national median, which is $2,195.

3. Ashland

Photo credit: iStock/4nadia

This town has rich culture and appeals to families that love the arts. This town is known for the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Parents considering a move to Ashland will enjoy learning that the public school system is excellent, and there is a vibrant job market in tourism, healthcare, and higher education.

Population: 21,285

Median Household Income: $63,641

Cost of Living: 101% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,875/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.8

Average Property Tax: 0.97%

Housing Affordability: Ashland is more affordable for families than Bend and Beaverton. However, the home price-to-income ratio is higher. Homeownership may be difficult here, but rental costs are reasonable, lower than they were last year, and less than the national median.

4. Eugene

Photo credit: iStock/halbergman

Eugene is another great city for families in Oregon. Performing arts lovers can enjoy such cultural attractions as Eugene Symphony, Eugene Opera, Eugene Ballet, Mozart Players, Eugene Concert Choir, Willamette Repertory Theatre, Oregon Bach Festival, and The Shedd. It is also the home of the University of Oregon. Parents will appreciate its excellent primary and secondary schools.

Population: 177,923

Median Household Income: $55,776

Cost of Living: 104% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,843/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.0

Average Property Tax: 1.11%

Housing Affordability: Eugene has a lower home price-to-income ratio than Ashland making it more affordable. Rental costs are similar here and are less than the national average.

5. Salem

Photo credit: iStock/KingWu

Salem is the state capital, a city that’s within reach of mountains but has plenty to keep you and the kids busy in town. Family-friendly events occur throughout the year in Salem, such as the World Beat Festival and the Salem Saturday Market. A highly rated educational system attracts many families to the town.

Population: 177,487

Median Household Income: $62,185

Cost of Living: 99% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,495/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.7

Average Property Tax: 1.15%

Housing Affordability: Compared to other towns and cities in Oregon, Salem is affordable. The cost of living is less than the national average. The home price-to-income ratio is relatively low for the state, and the median rental price is significantly less than the national average.

Recommended: Tips for Qualifying for a Mortgage

Best Places to Live in Oregon for Young Adults

For young adults, these places to live in Oregon have thriving job markets, relatively low costs of living, and plenty of options for eating out and entertainment.

1. Corvallis

Photo credit: iStock/halbergman

Corvallis has a vibrant job market, so, although it is less affordable than the national average, there are good jobs to be had. Local employers include Oregon State University and Hewlett Packard. The town has plenty of entertainment and is bike-friendly.

Population: 60,956

Median Household Income: $58,315

Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,900/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.6

Average Property Tax: 1.22%

Housing Affordability: Like most towns in Oregon, Corvallis is not the most affordable. However rental prices are lower than the national average and have remained steady year over year.

2. Portland

Photo credit: iStock/Shunyu Fan

Downtown Portland is buzzing with a large student population. There are cultural events throughout the year, great food, and tax-free shopping. Most young adults rent in Portland, and modern studios and one-bedroom apartments are not difficult to find.

Population: 635,067

Median Household Income: $78,476

Cost of Living: 125% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,771/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.9

Average Property Tax: 1.09%

Housing Affordability: While Portland can be a great place for young professionals, be warned, it is not super affordable. The cost of living is high at 25% above the national average. However, rentals are relatively reasonable and at least $300 below the country’s average.

3. Cedar Hills

Housing Affordability: Based on the cost of living index, Cedar Hills is not considered affordable: The home price-to-income ratio is also twice that considered comfortable for most people. However, renting is an option and makes the area more affordable.

4. Raleigh Hills

Housing Affordability: Raleigh Hills is more affordable if young adults rent their living accommodations. The home price-to-income ratio is high, and the cost of living is 25% higher than the national average. Rental costs are reasonable and significantly less than the national average.

5. West Slope

Housing Affordability: Most young people rent here because of the affordability of owning a home. The home price-to-income ratio is high. Rental costs, however, are less than the national average. The rental market is hot, but prices dropped over the past year.

Recommended: Guide to Cost of Living by State

Best Places to Live in Oregon for Retirees

When ranking the best places to live in Oregon for retirees, key priorities were entertainment, such as art and culture, the cost of living, and the availability of healthcare.

1. Brookings

Photo credit: iStock/benedek

Brookings is an old logging town in the Southwestern part of Oregon. It has beaches, forests, a temperate climate, and plenty of festivals and other events to attend. These features can make it a wonderful spot for retirees. The price of homes is around average for the state.

Population: 6,762

Median Household Income: $72,273

Cost of Living: 103% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,006/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.6

Average Property Tax: 0.59%

Housing Affordability: Brookings is relatively affordable for the state of Oregon, and property taxes are not too high. The average rental cost is slightly less than the national average.

2. Florence

Photo credit: iStock/halbergman

Florence is another quiet, coastal town popular with retirees. The small population is mostly aged 50-something. There is a downtown atmosphere with entertainment and dining options, but it’s not a party scene for the young crowd.

Population: 9,376

Median Household Income: $50,615

Cost of Living: 103% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,450/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.3

Average Property Tax: 1.11%

Housing Affordability: Florence’s cost-of-living index is somewhat above the national average. The home price-to-income ratio is relatively high, but rentals are around $650 less than average rental costs in the United States.

3. Ontario

Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Ontario is located in the far eastern side of the state in the Western Treasure Valley on the border of Oregon and Idaho. In addition to the natural splendor that Oregon is known for (mountains, craters, and more), this town has three healthcare facilities that serve its small population and an array of restaurants to satisfy your inner foodie.

Population: 11,732

Median Household Income: $42,568

Cost of Living: 88% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,600/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.4

Average Property Tax: 0.96%

Housing Affordability: Ontario can be much more affordable for retirees than other towns. The cost-of-living index is below the national average, and the home price-to-income ratio is much less that of other cities popular among retirees.

4. Roseburg

Photo credit: iStock/will_snyder_

Roseburg, also known as the Land of Umpqua, is located in the Umpqua River Valley region in southwestern Oregon. It’s a quiet town but with plenty of outdoor space and beauty, which may be perfect for nature-loving retirees. Median home values are inexpensive, but they are expected to rise.

Population: 28,853

Median Household Income: $47,921

Cost of Living: 89% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,300/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.5

Average Property Tax: 0.79%

Housing Affordability: The low cost of housing makes Roseburg affordable compared to the rest of the state, and the cost of living index is significantly lower than the national average.

5. Hood River

Photo credit: iStock/Strekoza2

Hood River is a small and remote town in the northern part of Oregon, but it may be a terrific place to retire. It is close to Mount Hood and hiking trails and hosts the Blossom Festival and Harvest Fest. There is easy access to quality healthcare, which makes it appealing to retirees.

Population: 8,352

Median Household Income: $69,429

Cost of Living: 106% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,500/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.4

Average Property Tax: 0.67%

Housing Affordability: The price-to-income ratio is quite high here, and the cost of living is above the national average.

Best Places to Live in Oregon Near the Beach

Many of Oregon’s seaside towns offer culture, great food, and access to the Pacific Ocean. Many of the towns have a cost of living that is below the state and national average. Gold Beach, for example, has a cost-of-living index of 105, and according to Payscale, the state average is 115.

1. Astoria

Photo credit: iStock/Ed Jackson

Astoria is an old fishing town on the northern coast of Oregon. It has a rich history, a popular craft beer and food scene, and sea lions hang out at one end of the town.

Population: 10,182

Median Household Income: $58,709

Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,650/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.6

Average Property Tax: 0.83%

Housing Affordability: The cost of living in Astoria is only slightly higher than the national average. The price-to-income ratio is high reflecting the high cost of housing, but rental costs in Astoria are below average and dropped in the past year. They are expected to creep up again though.

2. Cannon Beach

Photo credit: iStock/OGphoto

Cannon Beach is on the state’s northern coast. The beach town has around 1,600 inhabitants in its 1.5 square mile area. It is known for Haystack Rock, a prominent rock feature, and, like any popular beach town, it does get busy with tourist visitors in the summer.

Population: 41,695

Median Household Income: $61,846

Cost of Living: 120% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $476/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 9.4

Average Property Tax: 0.83%

Housing Affordability: Cannon Beach is not very affordable. It has a high cost of living, 20% higher than the national average, and the home price-to-income ratio is also very high for this small town. That could mean you need to consider different types of mortgages if you are home buying, such as a jumbo home loan.

However, median rents are low at $476, though such accommodations aren’t very plentiful.

3. Lincoln City

Photo credit: iStock/Dee

Lincoln City is a seven-mile stretch of beach on the central Oregon coast. The locale has lovely hikes with beach views. It is a wildlife sanctuary, however, and hunting, camping, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed.

Population: 9,966

Median Household Income: $49,297

Cost of Living: 103% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,895/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.7

Average Property Tax: 0.96%

Housing Affordability: Lincoln City, a refuge on the coast, is more affordable than most cities in Oregon. The cost-of-living index is close to the national average. The home-price-to-income ratio is comparable to other towns in the state. Rents are rising here and are close to the national median.

4. Newport

Photo credit: iStock/halbergman

Newport is also on the central Oregon coast. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is here, two of Oregon’s most prominent historical lighthouses, and the Rogue Brewery. All of this can make it one of the great places to live in Oregon by the beach.

Population: 10,412

Median Household Income: $52,897

Cost of Living: 102% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,300/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.7

Average Property Tax: 0.96%

Housing Affordability: The cost of living here is comparable to that of Lincoln City. However, the rental market is hot, and prices are rising rapidly.

5. Gold Beach

Photo credit: iStock/Alex Potemkin

Gold Beach is on the Southern Oregon coast. From here, the Rogue River flows through the Siskiyou National Forest. It’s a small, quiet town with a few restaurants and bars and great views.

Population: 2,405

Median Household Income: $57,553

Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,400/month

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.2

Average Property Tax: 0.59%

Housing Affordability: Gold Beach is relatively affordable compared to other coastal towns in Oregon. The rental market is heating up here though, with costs rising.

---

The Takeaway

Oregon is the perfect state for the active nature-lover. It’s a state known for its natural beauty, beaches, history, and culture. The state is less affordable than other states in the United States, and Portland is a city with a high cost of living. However, there are quiet towns, such as Gold Beach and Cannon Beach, that are affordable for those demanding fewer urban amenities, as well as great places for single professionals, families, and retirees.

Are you about to start home shopping and hitting the open houses? Visit the SoFi Home Loan Help Center to learn more about mortgage options, and consider what SoFi offers.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help. SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

Learn more

Browse Other States

Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.

Best Affordable Places to Live in Pennsylvania

Best Affordable Places to Live in Texas

FAQ

Where is the most affordable place to live in Oregon?

Baker City is one of the most affordable places to live in Oregon. The cost of living here is 14% lower than the national average. Housing costs are also lower. The median home value is $170,000.

Where is the least expensive place to live on the Oregon coast?

Coos Bay is one of the least expensive coastal towns. The median home price is around $311,000, and rents are around $1,250 a month, which is around $850 less than the median rent cost for the country.

Where is the cheapest place to retire in Oregon?

Springfield is one of the most affordable cities in Oregon. The median house value is around $250,800, the cost of goods and services is comparatively low here, and the cost of living is close to the national average. There is lots to do in this city, and there are plenty of parks, riverfront areas, and attractions, which could make for a very satisfying retirement.

---

^‡SoFi On-Time Close Guarantee: If all conditions of the Guarantee are met, and your loan does not close on or before the closing date on your purchase contract accepted by SoFi, and the delay is due to SoFi, SoFi will provide you $2,000.^ Terms and conditions apply. This Guarantee is available only for loan applications submitted after 6/15/22 for the purchase of a primary residence. Please discuss terms of this Guarantee with your loan officer. The property must be owner-occupied, single-family residence (no condos), and the loan amount must meet the Fannie Mae conventional guidelines. No bank-owned or short-sale transactions. To qualify for the Guarantee, you must: (1) Have employment income supported by W-2, (2) Receive written approval by SoFi for the loan and you lock the rate, (3) submit an executed purchase contract on an eligible property at least 30 days prior to the closing date in the purchase contract, (4) provide to SoFi (by upload) all required documentation within 24 hours of SoFi requesting your documentation and upload any follow-up required documents within 36 hours of the request, and (5) pay for and schedule an appraisal within 48 hours of the appraiser first contacting you by phone or email. The Guarantee will be void and not paid if any delays to closing are due to factors outside of SoFi control, including delays scheduling or completing the appraisal appointment, appraised value disputes, completing a property inspection, making repairs to the property by any party, addressing possible title defects, natural disasters, further negotiation of or changes to the purchase contract, changes to the loan terms, or changes in borrower’s eligibility for the loan (e.g., changes in credit profile or employment), or if property purchase does not occur. SoFi may change or terminate this offer at any time without notice to you. ^To redeem the Guarantee if conditions met, see documentation provided by loan officer.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice. SOHL0823022