Best Affordable Places to Live in Oregon in 2025
(Last Updated – 02/2025)
Oregon is nirvana for nature lovers; it has mountains, forests, and beautiful coastlines. Because it’s such a desirable place to live, typical house prices may be higher than those in other parts of the nation. The overall cost of living in Oregon is about 5% higher than the national average. The state has one of the highest individual income tax burdens (although it does not have a general sales tax). With this list of the best affordable places to put down roots in Oregon, you may decide it’s the place for you.
Best Places to Live in Oregon
If you like tranquility and the outdoors, Oregon has amazing 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.
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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 listing price for a home is still nicely below $400,000. This town is renowned for its numerous food festivals held annually, including celebrations of seafood, blackberries, cranberries, and other local foods. First-time homebuyer programs in Oregon are a good resource to explore if you’re interested in living here or anywhere in the state.
Population: 15,595
Median Household Income: $55,292
Cost of Living: 94% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,300/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.7
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 as a whole. 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. 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.
Population: 10,225
Median Household Income: $58,125
Cost of Living: 85% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $950
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.4
3. Dallas
Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic
Dallas is located in the Willamette Valley — a wine region known for its pinots. It’s located a little more than an hour by car from Portland. Locals enjoy visiting the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, dropping into a movie at the historic Fox Theatre, or hitting the Blackrock Mountain Bike Association’s trail system. The cost of living here is lower than the national average, and it’s an affordable city in comparison to other parts of Oregon.
Population: 17,644
Median Household Income: $65,647
Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,750/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.0
💡 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 three 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. 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. Are you about to start home shopping and hitting the open houses? Visit a home loan help center to be prepared.
Population: 96,945
Median Household Income: $94,279
Cost of Living: 114% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,924/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.7
2. Ashland
Photo credit: iStock/4nadia
This town has rich culture and appeals to families that love the arts. Ashland 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, health care, and higher education.
Population: 21,061
Median Household Income: $71,782
Cost of Living: 103% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,700/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.4
3. Bend
Photo credit: iStock/DC_Colombia
Like most of Oregon, Bend has plenty of outdoor attractions. This town also has a solid 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. The home price-to-income ratio is higher than in some other Oregon cities, something to keep in mind as you embark on the mortgage preapproval or prequalification process. Getting preapproved can help you move quickly when you find a desirable property that suits your budget.
Population: 104,557
Median Household Income: $88,792
Cost of Living: 109% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,400
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.2
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, all located in the western part of the state, have healthy job markets, a relatively low cost of living, and plenty of options for eating out and entertainment.
1. Portland
Photo credit: iStock/Shunyu Fan
Downtown Portland is buzzing with a large student population. There are cultural events throughout the year and a wide range of great dining options. Young adults often rent in Portland, and modern studios and one-bedroom apartments are not difficult to find. Although the overall cost of living is higher than in many other Oregon cities, job opportunities, household income levels, and home values pull Portland into the top spot on our list.
Population: 630,498
Median Household Income: $88,792
Cost of Living: 120% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,750/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.9
2. Salem
Photo credit: iStock/KingWu
Salem is the state capital, a city that’s within reach of mountains but has plenty to keep you busy in town. Popular events occur throughout the year in Salem, such as the World Beat Festival and the Salem Saturday Market.
Population: 177,432
Median Household Income: $71,900
Cost of Living: 99% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,450/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.9
3. Eugene
Photo credit: iStock/halbergman
Performing arts lovers can enjoy such cultural attractions as the Eugene Symphony, Eugene Opera, Eugene Ballet, Mozart Players, Eugene Concert Choir, Willamette Repertory Theatre, Oregon Bach Festival, and The Shedd Institute for the Arts. Eugene is also the home of the University of Oregon.
Population: 177,899
Median Household Income: $63,836
Cost of Living: 109% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,795/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.2
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 health care.
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: 6,672
Median Household Income: $73,384
Cost of Living: 101% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,900/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.6
2. 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 well-regarded health care facilities nearby (including in Boise, Idaho, which is less than an hour away). It also offers an array of restaurants to satisfy foodies.
Population: 11,866
Median Household Income: $43,887
Cost of Living: 95% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,125
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.4
3. Hood River
Photo credit: iStock/Strekoza2
Hood River is a small town about an hour east of Portland, and 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 health care, which makes it appealing to retirees.
Population: 8,346
Median Household Income: $77,975
Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,000/month
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.9
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. Here are three that are especially worth looking at because they are among the state’s most affordable spots.
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: 9,986
Median Household Income: $70,043
Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,500
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.6
2. 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. Consider different types of mortgages if you are thinking of buying here.
Population: 10,007
Median Household Income: $56,322
Cost of Living: 108% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,950
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.5
3. Newport
Photo credit: iStock/halbergman
Newport is also on the central Oregon coast. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is here, as are 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: 10,489
Median Household Income: $57,213
Cost of Living: 107% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,400
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.0
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 slightly less affordable than other states in the United States. However, there are quiet towns, such as Cannon Beach, that are affordable for those demanding fewer urban amenities, as well as great places for single professionals, families, and retirees.
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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 15% lower than the national average. Housing costs are also lower. The median home value is $254,935.
Where is the least expensive place to live on the Oregon coast?
Astoria is one of the least expensive coastal towns. Other good choices are Lincoln City and Newport.
Where is the cheapest place to retire in Oregon?
Brookings is a good choice for those looking to retire in Oregon on a budget. The climate is temperate and there are both beaches and forests to explore.
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