Some people like to spend their hard-earned money to the utmost and go for the gold in terms of lifestyle and aspirational possessions. Others prefer simplicity, a lower cost of living, and cheaper housing costs.

Others could care less, so long as there’s good food, a vast choice of music, and pretty people to look at. But really, what’s the cost of living like in Oregon and California? Which of these two beautiful states offers the best all-round value?

We’ve got the guide you need to help you learn more about the cost of living in Oregon vs California.

Housing Costs

Oregon and California are two of the most popular states to live in. Living costs in both states depend heavily on location, but when compared overall, Oregon tends to be more affordable when it comes to housing. Home prices are much higher in California, with the estimated median price being around $600,000.

The estimated median price of a home in Oregon is much lower at around $360,000. Not only this, but housing availability in Oregon is much greater due to the much larger area of land the state has to offer. Rent is also more affordable in Oregon, with monthly payments around a third less than one would expect in California.

Generally, Oregon is a much more cost-effective state when it comes to housing, and therefore for those looking to purchase a home or renting one, it’s an attractive option. If you are considering living in Oregon, you can browse homes for sale in this area to give you better options for those looking for budget-friendly real estate.

Utility Costs

Oregon and California have very different utility costs for areas like electricity, water, and gas. Oregon generally has slightly lower utility costs than California due to its more liberalized energy market. While the average residential electricity rate in Oregon is approximately 12.91 cents per kilowatt hour, California’s rate is approximately 13.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

The difference in costs could be due to the amount of regulations California does on utilities and their sources versus Oregon is more lenient. This gives Oregon residents nice savings on utility costs.

Food Costs

Oregon and California both have excellent food costs compared to the national average, however, Oregon is generally more affordable. Even though the cost of living in California is typically higher than in Oregon, food costs in Oregon tend to be lower than in California. Fruits such as apples and oranges are cheaper in Oregon, while dairy, poultry, and baked goods are slightly more expensive in Oregon than in California.

The overall cost of groceries is generally lower in Oregon, reflecting the lower levels of competition between grocery stores in the state. Oregon also has a higher percentage of farmers markets, which are an excellent way to find fresh, local produce at a good price. Whether you are looking for quality or quantity, Oregon offers an excellent place to buy reasonably priced groceries.

Exploring the Cost of Living in Oregon vs California

Overall, it’s clear that the cost of living in Oregon vs California varies greatly. Oregon offers a more reasonable cost of living while affording similar climates and outdoor recreation activities as California. For those seeking a cost-effective move to a new state, Oregon may be the choice for you.

Get started by researching more about Oregon’s economy and cities today.

We hope you enjoyed our blog, for more check out our website.