A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
4%
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 La Grande Oregon National
Cost of living105111100
Groceries104104100
Health care109105100
Housing96124100
Transportation110106100
Utilities111106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108107100
Household Items104104100
Education & Childcare117109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in La Grande, OR

Understanding the cost of living in La Grande 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 La Grande cost of living index is 105, which is 5% 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.

The cost of living in La Grande is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is La Grande Affordable?

Is La Grande an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in La Grande is 0.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 13.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. La Grande has a median household income of $68,971, which is 15.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in La Grande?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In La Grande, healthcare costs are 8.8% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in La Grande starts at 0% and the income tax rates start at 4.75%.

Where is the Data From?

The La Grande cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in La Grande is 6% lower than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in La Grande is 5% higher than the national average
  • La Grande housing is 4% lower 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 La Grande

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Compare La Grande, OR Cost of Living

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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$95,796$7,983$2,235$2,874
      Renters$42,883$3,574$1,001$1,287
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in La Grande, OR, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In La Grande, homeowners have a median income of $95,796. Using that number, a maximum of $2,235 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $42,883, which means there is a maximum of $1,001 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Union, OR1,8911022.1%
      Summerville, OR1481054.7%
      Island City, OR1,1471065.5%
      Cove, OR7571076.5%
      Imbler, OR34711515.2%
      La Grande, OR13,7421054.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brainerd, MN13,746928.3%
      Superior, CO13,74716160.8%
      Lake Forest Park, WA13,73517372.7%
      Palos Verdes Estates, CA13,749332232.2%
      Moss Point, MS13,7348713.4%
      La Grande, OR13,7421054.6%
      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.