D+
28%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
74%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Milwaukie Oregon National
Cost of living128111100
Goods & Services106105100
Groceries111109100
Health care110105100
Housing174123100
Transportation126117100
Utilities9696100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Milwaukie, OR

Understanding the cost of living in Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie cost of living index is 128, which is 28% 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 Milwaukie is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Milwaukie falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Milwaukie cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 74% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Milwaukie is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 10.5% higher than the national average.

Is Milwaukie Affordable?

Is Milwaukie affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Milwaukie, the median home price is 93.3% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 28.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Milwaukie boasting a median household income of $70,037, 26.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Milwaukie?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Milwaukie, the groceries index is 10.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services 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%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Milwaukie, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Milwaukie is 15% higher than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in Milwaukie is 28% 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

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Compare Milwaukie, OR Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$94,642$7,887$2,208$2,840
      Renters$43,871$3,656$1,024$1,316
      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 $94,642 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,208 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $43,871, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,024 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Milwaukie National avg. Difference
      Haircut $41.22$24.2669.9%
      Beauty Salon $60.58$45.5633.0%
      Toothpaste $3.63$3.702.0%
      Shampoo $1.53$1.2819.5%
      Movie $12.98$12.136.9%
      Bowling $18.31$18.001.7%

      Groceries

      Item Milwaukie National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.17$5.845.7%
      Fried Chicken $2.03$1.5728.8%
      Milk $5.04$4.677.9%
      Potatoes $4.39$4.9311.1%
      Pizza $12.21$12.091.0%
      Beer $12.07$10.4115.9%

      Health Care

      Item Milwaukie National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $131.94$125.685.0%
      Doctor $188.49$135.7838.8%
      Dentist $115.08$113.291.6%
      Ibuprofen $11.58$10.658.7%
      Lipitor $386.53$468.6017.5%

      Housing

      Item Milwaukie National avg. Difference
      Home Price $357,100.00$184,700.0093.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,332.86$2,346.6942.0%
      Apartment Rent $1,223.00$949.0028.9%

      Transportation

      Item Milwaukie National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.16$3.4620.3%
      Tire Balancing $84.45$59.9240.9%

      Utilities

      Item Milwaukie National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $182.73$193.995.8%
      Phone $190.36$192.251.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Barlow, OR1851098.6%
      Johnson City, OR5398514.6%
      Wood Village, OR4,0691099.0%
      Fairview, OR9,38212322.7%
      King City, OR4,34512323.0%
      Milwaukie, OR21,08612828.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Florida Ridge, FL21,081963.9%
      Springwater, ON21,091n/a 
      Dorval, QC21,098n/a 
      DeBary, FL21,0531055.3%
      Shenandoah, LA21,0451088.1%
      Milwaukie, OR21,08612828.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.