Top universities, top infrastructure, and 9th largest state have motivated more than 51% of people to move to Oregon. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of 502K, Oregon can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Beaver State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Baker City and Umatilla offer several budget-friendly options. While Baker City offers a cost of living 18.4% lower than the national average, the median home price in Umatilla is $281K.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Oregon has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in Oregon!
4 Reasons to live in Oregon 🌆
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Oregon is ~$527K. But you can get houses between $253K and $498K in cities like Baker City, Pendleton, and Brookings.
- Tax Benefits: Oregon maintains a flat income tax rate of 3.07% for all residents.
- Affordable Grocery: Grocery in cities that are listed below is up to 7.2% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than national average. You can save up money in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Oregon in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker City | $54,063 | $253,010 | 10,247 | 3.4% | 13.8% |
| Umatilla | $56,413 | $281,194 | 7,630 | 3.2% | 16.0% |
| La Grande | $52,039 | $284,413 | 13,106 | 3.3% | 20.8% |
| Pendleton | $67,931 | $279,175 | 17,070 | 3.1% | 15.5% |
| Klamath Falls | $46,695 | $290,613 | 21,977 | 4.1% | 22.1% |
| Ontario | $39,750 | $292,203 | 11,732 | 6.1% | 21.4% |
| Coos Bay | $53,331 | $333,952 | 15,840 | 3.9% | 14.6% |
| Albany | $69,777 | $431,971 | 57,053 | 4.3% | 11.9% |
| Hermiston | $65,502 | $341,964 | 19,489 | 5.8% | 11.1% |
| Brookings | $79,109 | $498,709 | 6,672 | 8.5% | 6.48% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in OR
The annual population growth of 10.5% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Oregon cities. If you’re considering shifting to the Beaver State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Baker City
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 18.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $253,010 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,950 |
| 🌅 Known For | Sumpter Valley Railway |
Baker City is one of the most affordable places to live in Oregon. Its median house rent ranges from $1,950 – $1,950. It also offers very affordable utilities which is 11% lower than the national average.
Situated in Eastern Oregon, Baker City offers stunning natural landscapes with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. For instance, the nearby Wallowa Mountains provide breathtaking view and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Also, the city is home to major companies like The Recovery Village and Cutter Edge for job seekers.
» Homes for Sale in Baker City, OR: Find your dream home in cheap places to live in Oregon.
2. Umatilla
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $281,194 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,525 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Umatilla Marina & RV Park |
Umatilla is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Oregon with an average home rent ranging from $919 – $1,900. It also offers affordable grocery which is 2.6% lower than the national average.
Umatilla boasts breathtaking natural beauty with picturesque views of the Columbia River and nearby mountains. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and boating, enhancing their quality of life. Apart from this, the city offers employment with major companies like JM Eagle and NAES.
» Homes for Sale in Umatilla, OR: Browse thousands of properties in cheapest cities to live.
3. La Grande
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 15.0%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $284,413 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,310 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Hot Lake Springs |
With rental costs below the national average, La Grande stands as one of the cheapest city to live in Oregon. The house rent price is between $800 to $2,500.
La Grande is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. The main attractions of La Grande is its beautiful location in the Blue Mountains. Additionally, for job seekers, companies like Anderson Perry & Associates and Certified Personnel Service Agency offers job in the city. They are well known and prestigious in La Grande.
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4. Pendleton
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $279,175 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,150 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Pendleton Woolen Mills |
Pendleton offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $850 lower than the national median. Moreover, the transportation costs are 33.4% below than the national average in the city.
Pendleton is notable for its rich history in the wool business. It is famous for producing high-quality wool garments, fabrics, and trade blankets. These distinctive Pendleton products are a testament to the city’s heritage and craftsmanship, contributing to its global recognition.
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5. Klamath Falls
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 13.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $290,613 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 🎨 Known For | Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) |
Often referred to as the ‘City of Sunshine,’ Klamath Falls’ cost of living is 13.8% lower than the national average. The average utilities expenses are 6% below the national average makes it cheapest cities in Oregon to live.
Klamath Falls’ affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US. Moreover, the city boasts major employers like Oregon Institute of Technology and NextJob, creating ample job opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Klamath Falls, OR: Find homes in one of the inexpensive places to live in OR.
6. Ontario
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 19.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $292,203 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,800 |
| 🏫 Known For | Jordan Crater |
The house rent in Ontario is between $1,129 – $2,100. With an average household income of $39,750, you can comfortably live in this city.
Positioned along the Oregon-Idaho border, Ontario residents enjoy easy access to neighboring cities like Boise, Idaho. This offers them additional amenities and employment opportunities like Pathway Hospice and Oregon Law Center.
» Homes for Sale in Ontario, OR: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Oregon.
7. Coos Bay
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 10.0%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $333,952 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,100 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area |
Coos Bay is indeed one of the best places to live in Oregon. The annual expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $3,322. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Coos Bay offers a diverse array of dining options, ranging from seafood shacks to gourmet eateries. You can indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood at establishments like Fisherman’s Grotto. You can also enjoy the savor farm-to-table cuisine at restaurants like So It Goes Coffeehouse & Bakery.
» Homes for Sale in Coos Bay, OR: Find cheap places to stay in Coos Bay, Oregon.
8. Albany
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 1.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $431,971 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,595 |
| 🏦 Known For | Historic Buildings |
The cost of living in Albany is 1.8% lower than the US average and 14.1% lower than the state average. Albany offers housing with median home price of $431,971. Apart from this, the city has growing job market at 36.98% this indicates many job opportunities in coming years.
Additionally, Albany has two major employers Coastal Farm & Ranch and Xigent Appliance Repair that offers employment. With cost of living and job opportunities, Albany is one of the most affordable cities to live in Oregon for young adults.
» Homes for Sale in Albany, OR: Get yourself a home in cheap cities to live in.
9. Hermiston
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $341,964 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,323 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Watermelon Farming |
Hermiston is one of the best places to live in Oregon, with a median home price decrease of $341,964. It seems housing affordability has improved compared to 2023. The monthly cost of food for an individual amounts to $634, making it one of the most budget-friendly options across the state.
The city also provides employment in municipal corporate known as City of Hermiston. Also there are many major companies like Wilcox Furniture and Hermiston Foods Inc. This makes the city an attractive destination for people looking for job opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Hermiston, OR: Get yourself a home in one of the affordable cities to live in Oregon.
10. Brookings
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 0.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $498,709 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,200 |
| 🌄 Known For | River Coast |
With rental costs below the national average, Brookings house rent price ranges between $1,000 – $2,600. The cost of living is 0.4% lower than the national average. Even though cost of living is only 0.4% lower, transportation costs are almost 29% lower than the national average.
You can explore diverse culinary experiences with a range of dining options in the this city. Moreover, Hw3 and Assembly Line are the major companies that offers many job opportunities in construction and electronics sectors.
» Homes for Sale in Pendleton, OR: Find houses in cheapest cities to live in Oregon.
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Bottom Line
If you want to move to Oregon, you will find cheap houses for sale in Oregon under 250K in cities like Baker City, Umatilla, and La Grande. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Oregon cities.
Cities like Albany and Brookings have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Oregon’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in OR Under Your Specific Budget
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in OR.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Oregon, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, Zillow and Best Places.
FAQs
Which is the cheapest place to live in Oregon?
The cheapest place to live in Oregon is Baker City.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Oregon: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Oregon!
Is Oregon expensive to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $502,498. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Oregon?
The best place to live in Oregon is Salem, followed by Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, Bend, Medford, and Hillsboro.
