Beaverton, OR vs. Tualatin, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Portland suburbs of Beaverton or Tualatin? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. We’ll break down key factors like housing, utilities, groceries, and taxes to give you a realistic picture of the monthly expenses in each location.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense when comparing the cost of living between cities. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs stack up for common housing types in Beaverton vs Tualatin:
| Housing Type | Beaverton | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,800 | $2,000 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,400 | $2,600 |
🏆 Winner: Beaverton. Housing costs tend to be about 10% lower in Beaverton compared to Tualatin for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important factor when comparing monthly expenses. Residents in both Beaverton and Tualatin can expect to pay around $200-250 per month for a typical household’s electricity, gas, water, and trash services.
Costs may be slightly higher in the winter months due to heating needs. Both cities offer optional “green power” programs for a small premium to support renewable energy.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between Beaverton and Tualatin.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday goods are comparable in Beaverton and Tualatin. Both cities have a variety of supermarkets, local shops, chain restaurants and indie eateries at similar price points.
Expect to budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a couple, plus $50-100 per person for miscellaneous daily expenses like household items and personal care products.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no major differences in grocery and daily living costs between the two cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
As Portland suburbs, both Beaverton and Tualatin have property tax rates around 1.5% of assessed value. City service fees like water and sewer are also similar.
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, fees typically range from $200-400 per month. In Beaverton, HOA fees more commonly cover extras like landscaping, exterior maintenance, and sometimes even cable and internet.
🏆 Winner: Beaverton. While property taxes are similar, Beaverton residents tend to get more bang for their buck with HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Beaverton | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $2,400 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $500 | $550 |
| Misc Expenses | $300 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,125 | $4,425 |
Note: Figures above are estimates for a couple’s monthly expenses. Your actual cost of living will depend on your unique situation and lifestyle. All income and expense figures are expressed in gross amounts (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Beaverton is more affordable overall, Tualatin offers a bit more space and a quieter suburban feel. Lots in Tualatin average about 20% larger than in Beaverton.
However, Beaverton is more walkable and has better public transportation access. Traffic congestion is also about 15% lower in Beaverton.
The climate and landscapes are very similar between Beaverton and Tualatin, so outdoor recreation opportunities are comparable. Both cities have ample green spaces, trails, and family-friendly parks.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Beaverton more affordable than Tualatin?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Beaverton is estimated to be about 5-10% lower than in Tualatin, mainly due to cheaper housing costs.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Beaverton has lower rent prices on average. A typical 2-bedroom apartment runs about $1,800 per month in Beaverton compared to $2,000 in Tualatin.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Again, Beaverton tends to be more affordable for homebuyers. The mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house averages $2,400 per month in Beaverton versus $2,600 in Tualatin.
8. Conclusion
When comparing the cost of living in Beaverton vs Tualatin, Beaverton comes out as the more budget-friendly choice. Housing costs are the biggest differentiator, with Beaverton offering lower rent and mortgage payments.
However, Tualatin may still be worth the premium for families who prefer a quieter setting and don’t mind a slightly longer commute. Young professionals and those who value walkability will likely prefer Beaverton.
Ultimately, both of these Portland suburbs offer a high quality of life and easy access to the city and outdoors. We recommend visiting each to get a feel for which one suits your vibe and budget. For more insights, check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Beaverton Residents and Cost of Living in Beaverton (2025 Guide).