Tigard, OR vs. Tualatin, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Portland suburbs of Tigard or Tualatin? This cost of living comparison will help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. We’ll break down housing, utilities, groceries and more to see how expenses stack up in these two popular Oregon communities.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Tigard vs Tualatin:
| Housing Type | Tigard | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $2,100 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $550,000 | $600,000 |
🏆 Winner: Tigard. Housing costs an estimated 10-15% less in Tigard compared to Tualatin, with lower rent and home prices across the board.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly comparable between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200/month for electricity, gas, water and trash service for a typical home. Both have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are about the same.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are nearly identical in Tigard and Tualatin.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday costs like gas and dining out are quite similar in these neighboring communities. Expect to spend around $400-500/month on groceries for a family of 2-3.
One notable difference: Tigard has more large chain grocery stores, which can mean lower prices on staples. Tualatin has a great farmers market and more specialty food shops.
🏆 Winner: Tigard, but only slightly. Grocery costs are comparable, with Tigard having an edge on budget-friendly chain stores.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a property tax rate around 1.5% of assessed value. For a $500K home, that’s about $7,500/year or $625/month.
One difference: Tualatin has slightly higher city service fees for utilities and parks. Tigard’s HOA fees tend to be a bit lower too.
🏆 Winner: Tigard. Lower city fees and HOA costs give Tigard the advantage.
Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Tigard | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,500 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $200 | $200 |
| Groceries | $500 | $550 |
| Transportation | $200 | $200 |
| Taxes & Fees | $700 | $750 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,500 | $4,900 |
Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t everything. Tualatin is known for its strong school system, while Tigard has more affordable housing options. Tualatin is a bit more walkable, but Tigard has easier freeway access. Tualatin averages 5°F warmer than Tigard in the summer months.
For a deeper look at budgeting as a Tigard resident, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Tigard Residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tigard more affordable than Tualatin?
A: Yes, Tigard has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. See our full Cost of Living in Tigard (2025 Guide) for more details.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Tigard has lower average rent, with a 2BR apartment going for around $1,800/month compared to $2,100/month in Tualatin.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices are about $50,000 lower in Tigard than Tualatin for a comparable 3BR house. That’s a savings of $300-400/month on a mortgage.
The Bottom Line
While both are attractive Portland suburbs, Tigard comes out ahead on affordability, with lower housing costs and city fees. Budget-conscious families or young professionals may find their dollars stretch further in Tigard.
However, Tualatin remains a great choice for those prioritizing top-notch schools and a strong community vibe who can afford the slightly higher cost of living. It really depends on your personal preferences and financial situation.
Considering other Portland-area communities? Check out our cost of living comparisons for other popular Oregon cities to find your ideal fit.