Sherwood is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,950 and slightly higher grocery and utility costs compared to national averages.
Imagine you’re Sarah, a young professional who just accepted a job offer in Sherwood, Oregon. Excited about the opportunity but mindful of her budget, Sarah begins researching the cost of living in her new hometown. She quickly realizes that while Sherwood offers a high quality of life, it comes with a price tag that requires careful planning and budgeting.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the various expenses you can expect when living in Sherwood in 2025, from housing and utilities to groceries and lifestyle considerations. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what it takes to live comfortably in this charming Portland suburb.
Housing Costs in Sherwood
Housing is typically the largest expense for most households, and Sherwood is no exception. In 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Sherwood hovers around $1,950 per month. If you’re looking to purchase a home, expect to pay a median price of $550,000 for a 3-bedroom single-family house.
Keep in mind that housing costs can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and property type. For example, newer developments like Brookman Concept or Sherwood Ridge tend to have higher price points, while older neighborhoods like Old Town or Archer Glen offer more affordable options.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical housing costs in Sherwood:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,400 – $1,700/month
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800 – $2,200/month
- 3-bedroom house: $500,000 – $650,000 purchase price
- 4-bedroom house: $600,000 – $800,000 purchase price
It’s also worth noting that many neighborhoods in Sherwood have Homeowners Associations (HOAs), which can add an additional $200 – $400 to your monthly housing expenses.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Sherwood are slightly higher than the national average, largely due to the city’s reliance on electricity for heating and cooling. In 2025, a typical household can expect to pay around $200 per month for basic utilities, including:
- Electricity: $100 – $150/month
- Water and sewer: $60 – $80/month
- Garbage and recycling: $30 – $40/month
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual utility costs will depend on factors like the size of your home, your energy usage habits, and seasonal weather patterns. For example, you may see higher electricity bills during the summer months when air conditioning is in high demand.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Sherwood are about 5% higher than the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $350 – $400 per month on groceries, while a family of four may spend closer to $1,000 – $1,200.
To give you a sense of typical grocery prices in Sherwood, here’s a sample basket:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon of milk | $3.50 |
| 1 dozen eggs | $2.75 |
| 1 lb of chicken breast | $4.50 |
| 1 lb of apples | $2.00 |
| 1 lb of rice | $1.50 |
If you enjoy dining out, expect to pay around $15 – $20 per person for a meal at a casual restaurant, and $30 – $50 per person at a higher-end establishment.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Oregon has no sales tax, which can help offset some of the higher costs of living in Sherwood. However, property taxes in Sherwood are relatively high, with a rate of around 1.5% of a home’s assessed value.
For a $500,000 home, that translates to approximately $7,500 per year, or $625 per month. If you’re renting, keep in mind that these property taxes are often built into your monthly rent.
Other hidden fees to consider include vehicle registration fees (around $120 per year), and HOA fees if you live in a community with a Homeowners Association.
Monthly Budget Summary
To help you get a better sense of the overall cost of living in Sherwood, here’s a sample monthly budget for different household types:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 | $300 |
| Groceries | $400 | $700 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Miscellaneous | $300 | $500 | $700 |
| Total | $2,750 | $4,100 | $5,600 |
Keep in mind that these figures represent gross monthly income (pre-tax). To live comfortably in Sherwood, a single person would need to earn around $33,000 per year, a couple would need $49,200, and a family of four would need $67,200.
Lifestyle Considerations
While the cost of living in Sherwood is higher than the national average, many residents find that the quality of life is worth the extra expense. Sherwood offers a small-town feel with easy access to the amenities of a larger city, thanks to its proximity to Portland.
Commute times in Sherwood are relatively short, with most residents spending less than 30 minutes getting to work. The city also boasts excellent schools, numerous parks and green spaces, and a low crime rate, making it an attractive option for families.
However, it’s important to consider the tradeoffs that come with living in Sherwood. While newer homes offer modern amenities and energy-efficient features, they often come with a higher price tag and longer commute times. Older homes in more established neighborhoods may be more affordable, but they may also require more maintenance and upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Sherwood?
A: To live comfortably in Sherwood, a single person would need to earn around $33,000 per year (pre-tax), a couple would need $49,200, and a family of four would need $67,200. - Q: Are utilities expensive in Sherwood?
A: Utility costs in Sherwood are slightly higher than the national average, largely due to the city’s reliance on electricity for heating and cooling. A typical household can expect to pay around $200 per month for basic utilities. - Q: How does the cost of living in Sherwood compare to nearby cities?
A: Sherwood is generally more expensive than nearby cities like Tigard and Tualatin, but less expensive than Portland proper. Housing costs in particular tend to be higher in Sherwood than in surrounding areas. - Q: Are there ways to save money on groceries in Sherwood?
A: Shopping at discount grocery stores like WinCo or Grocery Outlet can help you save money on groceries in Sherwood. You can also save by buying in bulk, shopping sales, and cooking meals at home instead of dining out. - Q: What kind of lifestyle can I expect in Sherwood?
A: Sherwood offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, numerous parks and green spaces, and a low crime rate. The city has a small-town feel but is close enough to Portland to offer easy access to big-city amenities. - Q: Are there any hidden costs to living in Sherwood?
A: Some hidden costs to consider when living in Sherwood include high property taxes (around 1.5% of a home’s assessed value), vehicle registration fees (around $120 per year), and HOA fees if you live in a community with a Homeowners Association. - Q: How can I reduce my moving costs when relocating to Sherwood?
A: One way to potentially reduce moving costs is to consider using pods instead of traditional moving trucks. Pods can be a more flexible and affordable option, especially for smaller moves or those with flexible timelines.