Cost of Living in Multnomah County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Multnomah County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Multnomah County, Oregon
Portland's housing crunch exceeds national average
Multnomah County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above both the national and Oregon state averages, signaling serious affordability pressure in the Portland metro area. Despite a median household income of $86,247—higher than the national median of $74,755—renters here devote more earnings to housing than most Americans.
Oregon's priciest county for renters
At 22.0%, Multnomah County leads Oregon in rent-to-income burden, exceeding the state average of 19.4% by nearly 3 percentage points. The median rent of $1,582 towers over Oregon's $1,137 average, reflecting Portland's role as the state's housing cost epicenter.
Portland stands apart from surrounding counties
Multnomah's $1,582 median rent dwarfs nearby Polk County ($1,270) and Tillamook County ($1,169), making it Oregon's most expensive rental market. The rent-to-income gap widens further when comparing to eastern counties like Morrow (15.6%) and Wallowa (15.7%).
Portland's dual housing squeeze
Renters in Multnomah spend $1,582 monthly while homeowners face $2,012 mortgage costs, with the median home value reaching $528,000. Housing consumes 22% of household income for renters—a significant burden that limits financial flexibility.
Multnomah demands serious budget planning
Portland's urban amenities come at a real cost: renters here spend $445 more monthly than Oregon's average, with homeownership requiring $875 additional monthly spending. If affordability ranks high in your relocation criteria, Oregon's smaller counties offer dramatically better housing-to-income ratios.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Multnomah County
Rent Burden
22.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,012
per month
Owner Cost Burden
28.0%
of gross income
The median home in Multnomah County may be a stretch
Median home value is $528,000. Estimated monthly cost: $4,215 vs. your max of $2,012.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.