A
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
2%
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 Pendleton Oregon National
Cost of living105111100
Groceries104104100
Health care109105100
Housing98124100
Transportation110106100
Utilities111106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108107100
Household Items104104100
Education & Childcare117109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pendleton, OR

The cost of living in Pendleton 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 Pendleton is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

In Pendleton, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Pendleton will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Pendleton Affordable?

Is Pendleton an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Pendleton, the median home price is 4.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 17.2% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Pendleton come in at $82,860, which is 1.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pendleton?

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 Pendleton, the utilities index stands at 10.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Pendleton, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 0%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.75%.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Pendleton, the transportation index is 9.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Pendleton 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 Pendleton is 5% lower than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in Pendleton is 5% higher than the national average
  • Pendleton housing is 2% 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 Pendleton

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Compare Pendleton, 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$107,170$8,931$2,500$3,215
      Renters$51,133$4,261$1,193$1,534
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Pendleton, 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 Pendleton, homeowners have a median income of $107,170. Using that number, a maximum of $2,500 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $51,133, which means there is a maximum of $1,193 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.
      Pilot Rock, OR1,330963.9%
      Tutuilla, OR3671000.5%
      Adams, OR5871011.0%
      Mission, OR9211044.4%
      Riverside, OR2871054.8%
      Pendleton, OR17,0381055.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Abington, MA17,03314040.3%
      Opelousas, LA17,0328811.7%
      North Myrtle Beach, SC17,03211211.8%
      Ham Lake, MN17,04611817.6%
      Selwyn, ON17,047n/a 
      Pendleton, OR17,0381055.3%
      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.