D
23%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
69%
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 Forest Grove Oregon National
Cost of living123111100
Groceries105104100
Health care103105100
Housing169124100
Transportation103106100
Utilities104106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103107100
Household Items105104100
Education & Childcare105109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Forest Grove, OR

Understanding the cost of living in Forest Grove can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Forest Grove cost of living index is 123, which is 23% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Forest Grove may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Forest Grove falls within this bracket.

Housing costs significantly influence the Forest Grove 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 68.7%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Forest Grove Affordable?

Is Forest Grove affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Forest Grove, for instance, where the median home price falls 89.3% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 20.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Forest Grove flaunting a median household income of $101,516, 24.8% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Forest Grove?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Forest Grove, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 0%, and income tax rates start at 4.75%.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Forest Grove, the utilities index stands at 3.6% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Forest Grove, the housing index is 68.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Forest Grove are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Forest Grove is 11% higher than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in Forest Grove is 23% higher than the national average
  • Forest Grove housing is 69% 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 Forest Grove

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$139,720$11,643$3,260$4,192
      Renters$59,319$4,943$1,384$1,780
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Forest Grove, 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 Forest Grove have a median income of $139,720. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,260 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $59,319, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,384.

      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.
      Gaston, OR5421055.1%
      Yamhill, OR1,38011615.8%
      King City, OR4,44511919.2%
      Cornelius, OR13,19412121.1%
      Banks, OR1,94112323.3%
      Forest Grove, OR25,55412323.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kernersville, NC25,5561000.4%
      Staunton, VA25,5431011.1%
      Newport, RI25,56514343.1%
      Ladera Ranch, CA25,567203103.0%
      Silver Springs Shores, FL25,572964.2%
      Forest Grove, OR25,55412323.5%
      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.