Sherwood, OR vs. Tualatin, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Sherwood or Tualatin? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in these two Oregon cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Sherwood and Tualatin:
| Housing Type | Sherwood | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $550,000 | $575,000 |
🏆 Winner: Sherwood. Housing costs, both renting and buying, tend to be 5-10% lower in Sherwood compared to Tualatin.
For a more detailed breakdown, read about how much it costs to live in Sherwood each month.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important monthly expense. In Sherwood and Tualatin, expect to pay around:
- Electricity: $90-120/month
- Natural gas: $50-80/month
- Water/sewer/trash: $80-100/month
Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable. Costs may be slightly higher in winter months.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between the two cities, with no major price advantages either way.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a typical family, groceries in Sherwood cost around $800-1000 per month, while Tualatin prices are about 5% higher at $850-1050 monthly. Eating out is also pricier in Tualatin, averaging $15-20 per meal vs $12-18 in Sherwood.
🏆 Winner: Sherwood. Expect to save $50-100 per month on food and daily goods by choosing Sherwood over Tualatin.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are 1.4% in Sherwood and 1.35% in Tualatin – a negligible difference for most homeowners. Both cities charge around $35/month for basic services like parks and libraries.
HOA fees, if applicable, typically range from $200-400 monthly. In Sherwood, these often include landscaping and trash service.
🏆 Winner: Tualatin, but just barely. The slightly lower property tax rate gives Tualatin a small edge.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Sherwood | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR house) | $2,300 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $900 | $950 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $580 |
| Misc Expenses | $800 | $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,350 | $5,430 |
*Figures shown are estimates for a typical family household, based on pre-tax monthly income. Your actual costs may vary.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Sherwood is more affordable overall, Tualatin offers some compelling lifestyle advantages:
- More public transit options and easier commute to Portland
- Slightly milder climate (Tualatin averages 2°F warmer than Sherwood)
- Larger variety of shopping, dining and entertainment
However, Sherwood’s lower housing density appeals to those seeking a quieter, small-town feel. Lots in Sherwood average 8,000 sq ft – nearly double the size of Tualatin’s 4,500 sq ft average.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Sherwood more affordable than Tualatin?
A: Yes, the overall cost of living is about 5% lower in Sherwood, mainly due to cheaper housing and groceries.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Sherwood’s rental prices are around 10% less than Tualatin’s for a comparable apartment.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices in Sherwood are roughly $25,000 lower than in Tualatin as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
For most households, Sherwood offers a lower cost of living than Tualatin – especially for housing and daily expenses. A family moving from Tualatin to Sherwood might save $400 per month on these costs alone.
However, Tualatin’s advantages in transportation, climate and amenities may be worth the premium for some lifestyles. Consider your commute, hobbies and housing priorities when deciding.
Ready to compare your moving options and costs? Check out this guide to the best moving companies.
For a full picture of Sherwood’s affordability, read our guide on the true cost of living in Sherwood, OR in 2025.