C-
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Eugene Oregon National
Cost of living119111100
Groceries102104100
Health care109105100
Housing148124100
Transportation105106100
Utilities106106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment112107100
Household Items102104100
Education & Childcare119109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Eugene, OR

The cost of living in Eugene affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Eugene is 119, which is 19% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs significantly influence the Eugene cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 48.3%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Eugene?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 46 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Eugene. The feedback revealed that 41% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 59% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Eugene Affordable?

Wondering if Eugene is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Eugene, for example, the median home price is 63.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Eugene boasting a median household income of $79,109, which is 2.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Eugene?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Eugene, the transportation index stands at 4.8% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Eugene, the groceries index is 1.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Eugene shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Eugene is 7% higher than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in Eugene is 19% higher than the national average
  • Eugene housing is 48% higher than the national average
  • Oregon general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • Oregon state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Eugene

See all the best places to live around Eugene

Compare Eugene, OR Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$125,032$10,419$2,917$3,751
      Renters$51,501$4,292$1,202$1,545
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Eugene, OR, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Eugene have a median income of $125,032. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,917 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $51,501, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,202.

      Oregon Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Oregon 0% 0%

      Oregon Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Oregon 4.75% 9.9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Harrisburg, OR3,9501077.2%
      Springfield, OR64,8721098.7%
      Junction City, OR6,30511110.6%
      Veneta, OR5,14911110.7%
      Creswell, OR5,63211211.9%
      Eugene, OR176,24911919.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Oshawa, ON176,009n/a 
      Garden Grove, CA176,55116565.4%
      Salem, OR177,13811514.6%
      Peoria, AZ177,68611818.4%
      Pembroke Pines, FL178,77712323.1%
      Eugene, OR176,24911919.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.