Rank #7 · OR
Oregon
Oregon has no sales tax, but a 9.9% top income-tax bracket and a tight Portland-area housing market push it into the top 10. Wildfire-driven insurance and energy costs in eastern counties add further pressure.
Cost index
119.6
Housing index
148.7
Median home
$488K
1BR rent
$1,500
Median income
$76K
Top income tax
9.9%
Sales tax
0%
Avg. gas
$3.95
Cost breakdown by category
All values indexed to 100 = US average.
Housing148.7
Groceries105
Utilities89.5
Transportation113.7
Healthcare113.3
Why Oregon is expensive
- 01Portland's urban growth boundary constrains greenfield development.
- 02Top marginal income tax of 9.9% kicks in relatively early ($125K single).
- 03Wildfire-driven home insurance hikes since 2020.
- 04Statewide rent-cap law limits supply incentives in older buildings.
Metro snapshots
Portland
Median home ~$535K; rent caps via SB 608.
Bend
Resort-driven prices; median home ~$680K.
Eugene
University town; median home ~$455K.
More affordable alternatives in Oregon
SalemEugeneMedfordKlamath Falls
Pro tips
Surviving Oregon on a budget
- →No sales tax means big-ticket purchases (electronics, appliances) are net cheaper.
- →Heat-pump rebates via Energy Trust of Oregon can offset winter heating.
- →Border-town residents (Vancouver, WA commute) escape the top income bracket.