A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Ontario Oregon National
Cost of living90111100
Groceries100104100
Health care99105100
Housing69124100
Transportation99106100
Utilities99106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98107100
Household Items100104100
Education & Childcare97109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ontario, OR

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Ontario is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Ontario is 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Ontario are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Ontario can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Ontario Affordable?

Is Ontario 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 Ontario, for instance, where the median home price falls 31.2% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 29.5% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Ontario flaunting a median household income of $54,307, 33.2% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ontario?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Ontario comes in at 0.9% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Ontario, the housing index comes in at 30.7% lower than the national average.

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 Ontario, the transportation index stands at 0.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Ontario 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 Ontario is 19% lower than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in Ontario is 10% lower than the national average
  • Ontario housing is 31% 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 Ontario

See all the best places to live around Ontario

Compare Ontario, 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$71,862$5,989$1,677$2,156
      Renters$42,369$3,531$989$1,271
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Ontario is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Ontario has a median income of about $71,862 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,677 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $42,369. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $989 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Vale, OR2,2878812.4%
      Nyssa, OR3,2618911.3%
      Payette, ID7,854918.8%
      Annex, OR252928.3%
      New Plymouth, ID1,693936.7%
      Ontario, OR11,298909.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      New Baltimore, VA11,30314948.7%
      Picayune, MS11,2928712.8%
      Mapleton, ON11,305n/a 
      Maynard, MA11,30813332.8%
      Suffern, NY11,30812727.1%
      Ontario, OR11,298909.9%
      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.