Oregon City is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,750 and utility costs slightly below the national average.
As of 2025, the median household income in Oregon City is $68,500 per year, or about $5,708 per month before taxes. For a comfortable lifestyle, a single person may need around $3,200 in gross monthly income, while a couple might require $4,500.
Housing Costs
Housing options in Oregon City range from apartments and condos to single-family homes. Rent for a typical 2-bedroom apartment falls between $1,600 and $1,900 per month, with a median of $1,750. Buying a 3-bedroom house usually costs $450,000 to $550,000, depending on the neighborhood and property condition.
Some key differences across Oregon City neighborhoods include:
- Hillendale: Newer homes, higher prices, some HOA fees
- McLoughlin: Mix of apartments and older homes, more affordable
- Caufield: Suburban feel, moderate prices, larger lot sizes
For homebuyers, property taxes in Oregon City average 1.1% of the assessed value annually. HOA fees, when applicable, typically add $200 to $400 per month.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utilities for a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment in Oregon City cost around $180 per month, slightly below the national average. This includes electricity, gas, water, and trash. High-speed internet adds another $60 to $80 per month.
Expect some seasonal variation in energy bills:
| Season | Typical Energy Cost |
|---|---|
| Summer | $90 – $120 |
| Winter | $100 – $140 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The average grocery bill for a single person in Oregon City is around $350 per month, or $4,200 per year. This assumes a mix of home-cooked meals and occasional dining out. For a family of four, the monthly grocery cost jumps to about $1,100.
Some typical grocery costs in Oregon City:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.80
- Dozen eggs: $3.00
- Pound of chicken: $4.50
Dining out costs vary, but a typical fast food meal is around $8, while a mid-range restaurant dinner for two averages $50 to $70 including tip.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Oregon has no sales tax, which helps keep daily expenses down. However, the state income tax rate is 9% for most households, higher than the national average. For a $70,000 annual salary, this means about $6,300 in state income taxes.
Vehicle registration fees in Oregon City are $112 for two years, plus a $21 county fee. Drivers can also expect to pay around $1,200 annually for car insurance, though this varies based on vehicle type, driving history, and coverage level.
Monthly Cost Summary
| Household Size | Estimated Monthly Budget |
|---|---|
| Single person | $3,200 |
| Couple | $4,500 |
| Family of four | $6,800 |
These figures represent gross monthly income (pre-tax) and assume a mix of essential and discretionary spending.
Lifestyle Considerations
Oregon City offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to Portland. Commute times to downtown Portland average 30 to 40 minutes, longer during peak traffic. Public transit options are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Home sizes in Oregon City are typically larger than in Portland proper, with more single-family options. The tradeoff is a longer commute for those working in the city center. Newer housing developments on the edges of town often come with higher price tags and HOA fees, but also offer more amenities and green space.
Oregon City has a historic downtown district with local shops and restaurants, as well as several parks and hiking trails. The city’s proximity to natural areas and the Willamette River is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Oregon City?
A: A single person can live comfortably on a gross monthly income of around $3,200, while a couple may need $4,500 or more. Families will require higher incomes to cover additional expenses like childcare and education.
Q: Is Oregon City cheaper than Portland?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Oregon City is generally 10-15% lower than in Portland, primarily due to more affordable housing options. However, this comes with a longer commute for those working in the city.
Q: Are utilities expensive in Oregon City?
A: Utility costs in Oregon City are slightly below the national average. Expect to pay around $180 per month for basic utilities on a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment, plus $60 to $80 for internet service.
Q: How much is the average rent in Oregon City?
A: As of 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Oregon City is $1,750 per month. Prices can range from $1,600 to $1,900 depending on the specific location and amenities.
Q: Does Oregon City have a high cost of living?
A: Compared to the national average, Oregon City has a moderate cost of living. It’s more affordable than Portland but still above average for the state of Oregon, largely due to housing costs.
Q: What salary do you need to live in Oregon City?
A: To maintain a comfortable standard of living, a single person should aim for a gross annual salary of at least $38,400 ($3,200 per month), while a couple will need around $54,000 ($4,500 per month). Keep in mind that these are pre-tax figures.
Q: How much does it cost to buy a house in Oregon City?
A: The median home price in Oregon City is around $500,000 as of 2025, but this can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and property size. Expect to pay $450,000 to $550,000 for a typical 3-bedroom house.
Q: Are property taxes high in Oregon City?
A: Property taxes in Oregon City are slightly above the national average, at around 1.1% of the assessed home value per year. For a $500,000 house, this equates to about $5,500 in annual property taxes.