Seems like everyone wants a slice of the Oregon pie these days. With diverse career options, abundant nature and good quality of life, it’s no secret why so many people are choosing to move here.
Finding your new home in this scenic Pacific Northwest state doesn’t have to break the bank. While most people set their sights on Portland, Oregon also boasts of many up-and-coming cities that are far more affordable. With rental options to suit all budgets, these are the cheapest places to live in Oregon.
Oregon average rent prices
With more and more people moving to Oregon in recent years, average rental rates have been on the rise. The state-wide average for a one-bedroom apartment currently clocks in at $1,667. However, that average is down 2.6 percent since last year.
The cheapest cities in Oregon for renters
Although Portland is by far Oregon’s most well-known city, many other more affordable towns are on the upward swing. Offering excellent rates alongside perks like intriguing cultural and food scenes, these are Oregon’s cheapest places to live.
10. Wilsonville
- One-bedroom average rent price: $1,486
- Average rent change in the past year: 4.98%
Located just 20 minutes outside of central Portland, the historic city of Wilsonville in Clackamas County has much to offer. The area’s highlights include a well-regarded school system, family-friendly neighborhoods and urban green areas.
And for work, there are great career opportunities at regional facilities for national brands like Xerox. Rent prices have also held mostly steady over the past year, so that’s another plus.
9. Tualatin
- One-bedroom average rent price: $1,454
- Average rent change in the past year: N/A
With miles of walking paths and luscious city parks, Tualatin has it made in the shade for nature lovers. Willamette Valley wine country is also just a quick drive away. And there’s plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment at local malls like Bridgeport Village, so you’ll always find something to do.
8. West Linn
- One-bedroom average rent price: $1,416
- Average rent change in the past year: 25.84%
West Linn is a thriving cosmopolitan center with plenty of great work opportunities and plenty of community activities. The community sits where the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers meet, so the area is also a hotspot for boating and fishing.
Rental prices are soaring throughout the Portland metropolitan area, and as a result, there’s a high demand for West Linn’s affordable rates.
7. Clackamas
- One-bedroom average rent price:$1,362
- Average rent change in the past year: 1.24%
The laid-back Portland suburb of Clackamas has long been a popular option among renters. It has easy access to the city, while still offering a convivial small-town atmosphere. In addition to all the comforts of suburbia, the outdoorsy charms of the Willamette Valley are also right next door.
6. Salem
- One-bedroom average rent price: $1,342
- Average rent change in the past year: 7.81%
Located an hour south of Portland, Oregon’s capital city is a family-friendly community full of history, excellent dining and lush parks. Salem’s steady and budget-friendly rental rates are increasingly attracting residents from nearby higher-priced spots like Portland or Eugene.
5. Gresham
- One-bedroom average rent price: $1,223
- Average rent change in the past year: -7.80%
The city of Gresham is so much more than a suburb of nearby Portland. This culture-and-nature-focused city is a bonafide destination in its own right. Arts and culture are big here, so residents enjoy events like the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival.
There’s an abundance of beautiful city parks, and Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are a short drive away. Rental rates are down, so people are swooping in to take advantage of everything this community-oriented city has to offer.
4. Milwaukie
- One-bedroom average rent price: $1,019
- Average rent change in the past year: -19.10%
Rental rates in the Portland suburb of Milwaukie have dropped significantly in the past year. This decrease is sure to attract renters looking to experience the relaxed quality of life and suburban amenities.
With many urban green areas and riverside parks, as well, it’s a perfect city for walkers and outdoor lovers. The city is especially well-known for its many dogwood trees — it’s even called the “Dogwood City of the West.”
3. Springfield
- One-bedroom average rent price: $1,007
- Average rent change in the past year: 6.98%
This central Oregon city is often overshadowed by its sister city Eugene, but no longer. Springfield is truly coming into its own. An increasing number of renters are flocking there for the low rental rates and welcoming small-town vibes.
From local restaurants and breweries to exploring the historic Main Street and downtown, there’s plenty to do in town. But the beautiful Cascade Mountains are also right next door for hiking and other outdoor fun.
2. Boardman
- One-bedroom average rent price: $877
- Average rent change in the past year: -3.91%
If you crave wide-open spaces, Boardman on the shores of the Columbia River is just the ticket. The region’s thriving agricultural industry, plus a bustling Tillamook cheese and dairy factory, offer ample opportunities for work. But there’s plenty to do for fun as well, like boating and fishing.
Among Oregon’s cheapest places to live, this is one of the few not located around Portland or in the Willamette Valley. So, if you’re looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, Boardman is a great option. Plus, the scenic views of the surrounding plains and meandering river are hard to beat.
1. Corvallis
- One-bedroom average rent price: $838
- Average rent change in the past year: 5.56%
Topping the list of the cheapest places to live in Oregon is Corvallis in the heart of the Willamette Valley. As the home of Oregon State University, there’s always something fun going on in the energetic social scene.
And, when you need a break from all the excitement in town, the coast or the mountains are nearby. All that, plus with an average rental rate of just more than $800, what’s not to love?
The five most expensive places to live in Oregon
Many of Oregon’s most expensive cities are actually located right next door to some of its more affordable. This makes it easy to find budget-friendly homes that are close to job opportunities and urban amenities. From long-time favorites like Portland to burgeoning spots like Beaverton, these are Oregon’s five most expensive places to live.
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.com’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. We pulled our data in December 2020, and it goes back for one year. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Source: rent.com