A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
4%
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 La Grande Oregon National
Cost of living98111100
Goods & Services94105100
Groceries104109100
Health care117105100
Housing96123100
Transportation117117100
Utilities8796100

An Overview of Cost of Living in La Grande, OR

Understanding the cost of living in La Grande 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 La Grande cost of living index is 98, which is 2% lower 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 La Grande is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is La Grande Affordable?

Is La Grande 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 La Grande, the median home price is 0.6% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13.3% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with La Grande boasting a median household income of $45,573, 17.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in La Grande?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In La Grande, the general sales tax rate starts at 0%, and income tax rates begin at 4.75%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In La Grande, healthcare costs are 17.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, 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. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The La Grande cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in La Grande is 12% lower than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in La Grande is 2% lower than the national average
  • La Grande housing is 4% 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 La Grande

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Compare La Grande, 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$65,121$5,427$1,519$1,954
      Renters$29,089$2,424$679$873
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in La Grande, 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 La Grande, homeowners have a median income of $65,121. Using that number, a maximum of $1,519 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $29,089, which means there is a maximum of $679 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item La Grande National avg. Difference
      Haircut $22.67$24.266.6%
      Beauty Salon $39.87$45.5612.5%
      Toothpaste $4.00$3.708.1%
      Shampoo $1.15$1.289.9%
      Movie $9.66$12.1320.4%
      Bowling $11.07$18.0038.5%

      Groceries

      Item La Grande National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.27$5.847.4%
      Fried Chicken $2.76$1.5775.5%
      Milk $4.73$4.671.2%
      Potatoes $4.34$4.9312.0%
      Pizza $11.99$12.090.8%
      Beer $10.92$10.414.9%

      Health Care

      Item La Grande National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $144.67$125.6815.1%
      Doctor $182.86$135.7834.7%
      Dentist $130.71$113.2915.4%
      Ibuprofen $10.85$10.651.8%
      Lipitor $482.37$468.602.9%

      Housing

      Item La Grande National avg. Difference
      Home Price $183,600.00$184,700.000.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,425.82$2,346.693.4%
      Apartment Rent $823.00$949.0013.3%

      Transportation

      Item La Grande National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.13$3.4619.3%
      Tire Balancing $65.72$59.929.7%

      Utilities

      Item La Grande National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $148.41$193.9923.5%
      Phone $198.27$192.253.1%
      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.
      Union, OR1,841964.4%
      Summerville, OR144982.0%
      Island City, OR1,1081000.4%
      Cove, OR7351000.4%
      Imbler, OR3361098.9%
      La Grande, OR13,380981.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lone Tree, CO13,38116464.2%
      Richton Park, IL13,381982.2%
      New Providence, NJ13,38215958.7%
      Dardenne Prairie, MO13,38511312.8%
      Moss Point, MS13,3968614.0%
      La Grande, OR13,380981.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.