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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Multnomah County ranks #2,150 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Multnomah County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Multnomah County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,582/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Multnomah County pay $1,582/month on average, compared to $2,012/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 21%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $63,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $86,229/year. With a median household income of $86,247, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Multnomah County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Multnomah County sits 5% less expensive than Deschutes County ($1,674/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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