D
25%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
74%
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 Milwaukie Oregon National
Cost of living125111100
Groceries104104100
Health care106105100
Housing174124100
Transportation104106100
Utilities103106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103107100
Household Items102104100
Education & Childcare103109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Milwaukie, OR

The cost of living in Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie is 125, which is 25% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Milwaukie 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, Milwaukie falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Milwaukie, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 74.4% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Milwaukie Affordable?

Wondering if Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie, for example, the median home price is 93.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 30.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Milwaukie boasting a median household income of $104,073, which is 28% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Milwaukie?

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 Milwaukie starts at 0% and the income tax rates start at 4.75%.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Milwaukie, the transportation index is 4.3% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie is 12% higher than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in Milwaukie is 25% higher than the national average
  • Milwaukie housing is 74% 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 Milwaukie

See all the best places to live around Milwaukie

Compare Milwaukie, 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$139,725$11,644$3,260$4,192
      Renters$65,677$5,473$1,532$1,971
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Milwaukie, OR, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Milwaukie, the median monthly income is $139,725 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,260 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $65,677, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,532 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Barlow, OR1891054.7%
      Johnson City, OR5548317.4%
      Wood Village, OR4,1821098.6%
      King City, OR4,44511919.2%
      Fairview, OR9,68012423.5%
      Milwaukie, OR21,85312525.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fort St. John, BC21,858n/a 
      Sapulpa, OK21,8439010.3%
      Sanford, ME21,8411033.4%
      Arnold, MO21,866954.7%
      Kings, Subd. A, NS21,831n/a 
      Milwaukie, OR21,85312525.0%
      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.