Oregon is a beautiful place to live. Its environment features volcanic mountain ranges, rainforests, lakes, access to the Pacific Ocean, and more. It is also home to Mount Hood, which is the second most climbed mountain globally, and Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.
You can enjoy the beautiful environment and rich culture of the Beaver State and still keep your living costs low. This article aims to help you find the most affordable places in Oregon. Major cities like Portland have a high cost of living and higher rental fees. We’ll reveal the most affordable towns in Oregon with regard to cheap rent and median income.
Is Oregon an affordable place to live?
The affordability of living in Oregon can vary depending on the specific city or region. While certain areas in Oregon, such as Portland and Bend, have experienced rising costs of living in recent years, there are still relatively affordable options available, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.
Median income locations
The median income in Oregon is $70,084. Some of the cheapest places to live in Oregon on a median income include:
1. Hermiston
Hermiston is the biggest city in eastern Oregon, with only a little over 18,000 people and one of the cheapest places to live. Its monthly median rent for most apartments is $710. It is near the intersection of Interstates 82 and 84. Therefore, residents can access Seattle, Portland, Boise, and Spokane in hours. It is also close to Umatilla. The city is also well-known for watermelon farming, even when other towns and states are off-season. There are other industries like distribution, food processing, and data centers.
2. Coos Bay
Coos Bay has over 16,000 people, which makes it the largest city on the Oregon coast. The city sits in the area where the Coos River joins the Pacific Ocean. There are stunning views of the bay and opportunities for recreational activities like hiking and biking. It is also home to Cape Arago State Park, which is a mile south of the bay.
You can spot sea lions, seals, and even whales at the park. The average annual rainfall in Coos Bay is about 65 inches, and snow is rare. The median cost of apartment rentals in Coos Bay is $636. Therefore, it is one of the cheapest places to rent in Oregon.
3. Umatilla
According to the FBI Crime In The USA 2019 report, Umatilla is the second safest place in Oregon. It’s also one of the cheapest cities to live in Oregon. The median monthly rent in the city is $1,250. Moreover, the population is slightly over 7,000 people. This city is also the home to Hat Rock State Park, which provides access to trails, ponds for fishing, animal watching, and more.
4. Creswell
Creswell is one of the most affordable places to live in Oregon. It has a population of a little above 5,000 people. Moreover, it has a low cost of living and a high median income. Creswell’s median income is about $61,000, which is almost the same as the median income for Oregon’s entire state. Creswell also has a median rent cost of $1,787. The rent may be one of the highest on this list, but Creswell has a good rent-to-income ratio.
5. Sheridan
Sheridan sits in the northwest part of Oregon. It is located along the Yamhill River near the larger city of McMinnville. Sheridan is also one of Oregon’s most affordable towns, with an average rental cost of $623. Sheridan is a small town but has a lot to offer. You can access the Yamhill River, and visit museums and parks, among other activities.
Cheapest and most affordable rent in Oregon
The cities with the most affordable rent in Oregon include:
1. Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls is a town that sits about 25 miles from the California-Oregon border. Interestingly, there are no falls in Klamath Falls. The town was originally known as Linkville before it changed its name in 1893. There may be no falls in Klamath Falls, but there are plenty of other activities to do. You can go fishing, hunting, canoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and more. Klamath Falls has over 21,000 people and comes top on the cheapest places to live in Oregon. It has an average rental cost of $1,293.
2. Baker City
Baker City is a town in Northeast Oregon with a population of more than 10,000 people. It is along the Oregon Trail and has forest terrain and mountains surrounding it. Baker City offers year-round recreational opportunities. You can visit the national District Oregon Trail interpreted Center, the Geiser Grand Hotel, and more. It is also one of the cheapest cities to live in Oregon. Baker City has an average rent of $1,000.
3. Pendleton
Pendleton is a town in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. It has a population of about 16,000 people. Pendleton helped to popularize the flannel shirts among Oregonians. Pendleton Woodland Mills, one of the first and largest flannel shirts producers, was originally located in Pendleton. You can also find businesses like the Rainbow Café, which started in 1883. Pendleton has some of the cheapest average rent in Oregon.
4. Dallas
Dallas is about 15 miles west of Salem. It has a population of over 16,000 people. There are many activities to do in Dallas, including golfing, cycling, bird watching, and more. You can also enjoy a visit to the Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanical garden and the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Dallas is one of the cheapest cities to live in Oregon. It has a median rent of $1,050.
5. Ontario
Ontario sits close to the border of Idaho and Oregon along the winding Snake River. It has a population of over 11,000 people. Ontario has a desert terrain with stunning views and is also home to the Farewell State Bend Recreation Area, which is along the Oregon Trail. Ontario is rich in culture and art and has numerous public events. It is also known as the cheapest city in Oregon to live in, with a median rent of $800.
Frequently asked questions
Oregon offers several cities and towns known for their affordability. Some of the most affordable places to live in the state include Eugene, Salem, Medford, Grants Pass, and Roseburg. These areas generally have lower housing costs, transportation expenses, and everyday living costs compared to larger metropolitan areas like Portland.
Yes, Oregon has numerous rural areas that offer affordable living options. Places like Klamath Falls, La Grande, Baker City, and Ontario are known for their lower housing costs and a more relaxed pace of life. These areas often provide a balance between natural beauty, community-oriented living, and affordability.
The costs of living in the affordable areas mentioned earlier are generally lower compared to larger cities like Portland or Bend. Housing prices, rental rates, and everyday expenses tend to be more budget-friendly in these areas. However, it’s important to consider that amenities, job opportunities, and services may vary in comparison to larger urban centers.
Many towns offer an affordable cost of living in Oregon, with low rental rates and access to useful resources and amenities. Search thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and find the one for you.
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