Living comfortably in Tigard, OR in 2025 requires an estimated gross monthly income of $5,200 for a couple or $7,400 for a family of four. Here’s a closer look at the typical monthly expenses in this Portland suburb.
Housing Costs in Tigard
Housing is the biggest expense for most Tigard residents. Typical housing options include apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses. Rents for a basic 2-bedroom apartment range from $1,600-$2,200 per month. Buying a 3-bedroom house costs $450,000-$650,000, resulting in monthly mortgage payments around $2,400-$3,400 (assuming 20% down).
Some key neighborhood differences:
- Central Tigard: Mostly older homes and apartments. Lower prices but less space. Walkable to downtown.
- Bull Mountain: Newer construction and larger homes. Higher prices but more square footage. Further from city center.
- Metzger: Mix of property types and ages. Mid-range prices. Convenient to both Tigard and Portland.
About 30% of neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). Typical HOA fees are $200-$400 per month, covering amenities and exterior maintenance.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utility costs in Tigard are similar to the Portland metro average:
| Utility | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 |
| Natural gas | $60 |
| Water/sewer/trash | $140 |
| Internet | $65 |
| Total | $385 |
Heating costs spike in the winter due to the colder, wetter climate. Expect bills 30-40% higher in Dec-Feb. Air conditioning is less common, so summer bills are more stable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Tigard cost about the same as the national average. Budget $400 per person per month for a mix of cooking at home and occasional meals out. A gallon of milk is $3.50, a loaf of bread $2.75, and a pound of chicken $4.50.
For a couple, a typical monthly grocery basket might include:
- Dairy, eggs, bread: $80
- Meat, fish, protein: $160
- Fruits and vegetables: $140
- Pantry staples: $100
- Household items: $60
- Dining out (3 times/mo): $180
Assuming modest spending, groceries and daily expenses total around $800/month for a couple or $1,600/month for a family of four.
Taxes and Fees
Tigard’s property tax rate is $14.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. For a $500,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $7,250 or $604/month.
Oregon has no sales tax, which helps offset the higher income taxes. State income tax rates range from 5-9.9% depending on income level. Vehicles are subject to a one-time 0.5% use tax at purchase, plus annual registration fees of $120+.
| Tax/Fee Type | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Property tax | $604 |
| Vehicle fees | $20 |
| State income tax | 5-9.9% of income |
| Sales tax | None |
Summary Monthly Budget
| Expense Category | Single | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,600 | $2,200 | $3,000 |
| Utilities | $250 | $385 | $450 |
| Groceries/Food | $500 | $800 | $1,600 |
| Transportation | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Misc/Entertainment | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total | $3,250 | $5,185 | $8,050 |
To live comfortably, a single person needs around $3,900/month in gross income, a couple $5,200/month, and a family of four $7,400/month. Adjust higher for more luxurious housing, frequent dining out, and extra savings.
Lifestyle Considerations
Tigard offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to Portland. Commutes into the city average 25-35 minutes. The WES Commuter Rail connects Tigard to Beaverton and the MAX light rail system.
Most homes are modest in size, around 1,600-2,400 sq ft. Yards are common but not huge. Tigard has ample parks and green spaces, with over 16 miles of trails and the popular summer Festival of Balloons.
Tigard is more affordable than Portland proper but pricier than outlying towns like Sherwood or Tualatin. Residents balance a reasonable cost of living with proximity to big-city amenities. It’s a great fit for families who value good schools and a tight-knit community feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Tigard?
To live comfortably, aim for a gross monthly income of $3,900 for a single person, $5,200 for a couple, or $7,400 for a family of four. Adjust based on your lifestyle.
Is Tigard cheaper than Portland?
Yes, the cost of living in Tigard is about 10-15% lower than in Portland. You’ll get more space for your money, especially when it comes to housing.
Are utilities expensive in Tigard?
Utilities in Tigard are fairly typical, totaling around $385/month for the average household. Winter heating bills are higher than summer ones.
How much is the average rent in Tigard?
As of 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Tigard is $1,900/month. Prices range from $1,600 at the low end to $2,200+ for newer units.
Is Tigard a good place to raise a family?
Tigard is a great place for families, offering safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and kid-friendly amenities. It’s a bit pricier than some suburbs but still more affordable than Portland.