7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Oregon in 2024
From the breathtaking beauty of the Oregon coast filled with rugged cliffs and picturesque beaches, to the lush Cascade Mountains, and the royal blue water of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon is truly one of the highlights of the Pacific Northwest. If Oregon sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious what cities fit into your budget. As of June, the median home sale price in Oregon was $523,500.
If that price doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. Redfin has collected 7 of the most affordable places to live in Oregon. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under $523,500. From Springfield to Salem, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.
#1: Medford
Median home price: $400,000
Average sale price per square foot: $263
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,350
Median household income: $65,647
Nearest major metro: Eugene (168 miles)
Medford, OR homes for sale
Medford, OR apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $400,000, Medford comes in at number one on our list of most affordable places to live in Oregon. Located in southern Oregon, this gem is home to about 85,000 residents and is only about an hour away from the iconic Crater Lake. The city has plenty to do from hiking at Prescott Park and golfing at one of the clubs to exploring the charming downtown filled with breweries, local cafes, and museums.
#2: Springfield
Median home price: $405,000
Average sale price per square foot: $308
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,395
Median household income: $49,938
Nearest major metro: Eugene (5 miles)
Springfield, OR homes for sale
Springfield, OR apartments for rent
Taking second place on our list of affordable cities to live in Oregon is Springfield. There are about 61,800 residents living in this mid-sized city. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore the scenic Thurston Hills Natural Area and Wallace M. Ruff Jr. Memorial Park, or immerse yourself in the vibrant downtown Springfield, where you’ll find a variety of charming shops and delectable restaurants.
#3: Albany
Median home price: $430,000
Average sale price per square foot: $275
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,400
Median household income: $62,172
Nearest major metro: Salem (26 miles)
Albany, OR homes for sale
Albany, OR apartments for rent
The median home sale price in Albany is about 100K less than the state’s average, so it’s an awesome city to consider moving to this year. When living in this city of 56,500 people, you can stroll along the Dave Clark Trail by the Willamette River, check out the Historic Carousel & Museum, and explore the historic downtown area where there are plenty of local shops and restaurants.
#4: Salem
Median home price: $454,995
Average sale price per square foot: $260
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,372
Median household income: $58,726
Nearest major metro: Portland (46 miles)
Salem, OR homes for sale
Salem, OR apartments for rent
Fourth on the list is Salem where there are about 175,500 residents. The median home sale price is $440,000 which is about $70K less than the median home sale price in Oregon. If you find yourself moving to Salem, make sure to visit the Oregon State Capitol and museums like Willamette Heritage Center, explore the beautiful Riverfront City Park, and check out the events at the Oregon State Fairgrounds.
#5: Eugene
Median home price: $468,750
Average sale price per square foot: $299
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,710
Median household income: $62,172
Nearest major metro: Portland (110 miles)
Eugene, OR homes for sale
Eugene, OR apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Salem is Eugene, the next city on our list. About 176,600 people live in Eugene, where there are plenty of unique activities to do. Be sure to spend the day at one of the many parks like Delta Ponds, Maurie Jacobs Park, or Alton Baker Park, explore the charming downtown area, or enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail.
#6: Gresham
Median home price: $496,200
Average sale price per square foot: $270
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,553
Median household income: $62,172
Nearest major metro: Portland (17 miles)
Gresham, OR homes for sale
Gresham, OR apartments for rent
Sixth on our list of affordable places to live in Oregon is Gresham. With 114,200 residents, moving to this affordable city gives you the perks of city-life without living in a major metropolitan area. Gresham is conveniently located just 17 miles east of Portland if you’re looking to venture into the city for a meal, concert, or a day exploring the riverfront. In Gresham, you can visit Hogan Butte Nature Park, check out the expansive Oxbow Regional Park just outside of town, and stroll along the Springwater Corridor Trail.
#7: Aloha
Median home price: $520,000
Average sale price per square foot: $303
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,295
Median household income: $90,533
Nearest major metro: Portland (13 miles)
Aloha, OR homes for sale
Aloha, OR apartments for rent
Taking the final spot is Aloha, one of the many well-known and affordable Portland suburbs. About 53,500 people live in Aloha, making it a great option if you’re looking for a more mid-sized city to consider in Oregon. There are a lot of things to do in Aloha, whether you want to spend the day enjoying the outdoors or are looking for an indoor option on a rainy day. Make sure to check out one of the parks in town like Mountain View Champions Park, Whispering Woods, or nearby Tualatin Hills Nature Park.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Oregon. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during June 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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