Cheapest Cities to Rent in Oregon

Whether you’re moving here from out of state, relocating within Oregon, searching for affordable living options, or considering buying an investment property, you may want to know which markets offer cheaper rent. If you’re looking for the cheapest cities to rent in Oregon, look no further than our list!

Living in Oregon comes with so many benefits, from great year-round weather to beautiful places to enjoy on your time off. Healthy living is very doable, the diversity here is fantastic, the economy is strong, and the state is ranked #35 in higher education (According to US News). No wonder people love living in Oregon!

While Oregon may not have many of the cheapest cities to rent in the U.S. it does have areas where houses rent for less compared to the rest of the state.

Oregon Rental Statistics

Before we dive into the cheapest cities to rent in Oregon, let’s look at a few general rental facts and statistics:

• The average rent in Oregon is $1,800 per month, compared to $1,100 nationwide
• Across the U.S., rental rates have increased by 31% in the past ten years
• Approximately 109 million Americans reside in rental housing
• The state with the highest number of rental units is California
• About 37.12% of households in Oregon rent their homes

What does all this mean for you? If you are a tenant looking for affordable rentals, you’ll want to know where to find cheaper rent in Oregon.

Cheapest Cities to Rent in Oregon

This list of the most affordable cities to rent in Oregon does not just focus on rental prices alone. We’re taking a comprehensive approach, examining various factors contributing to the overall cost of living and quality of life in each city. This includes:

• Population: The size of the city’s population can impact the availability and pricing of rental properties.
• Median Home Listing Price: This gives us a sense of the overall real estate market in the city.
• Average Number of Days on the Market: This helps us understand how quickly properties are rented or sold.
• Median Household Income: This figure offers a glimpse into the earning potential in the area.
• Average Rent Price: Most crucial to our analysis, this tells us the typical cost of renting in the city.

Whether you’re a potential renter seeking the most value for your money or an investor scouting for high-return opportunities, our analysis will provide the insights you need to explore these affordable Oregon rental markets.

Here are the top ten cheapest cities to rent in Oregon, let’s dive in!

1. Corvallis

• Population: 58,856
• Median home listing price: $507,100
• Average number of days on the market: 36 days
• Typical home value: $330,254
• Median household income: $52,942
• Average rent price: $1,091

Home prices are very reasonable in Corvallis compared to the rest of the state, which makes investing in rental property here a sound choice. As a result, renters can enjoy lower rates, while investors can make a solid rental income. Corvallis isn’t the cheapest city to rent in Oregon, but it comes very close!

2. Springfield

• Population: 63,230
• Median home listing price: $388,500
• Average number of days on the market: 35 days
• Typical home value: $202,395
• Median household income: $47,695
• Average rent price: $929

Rent is affordable here, which as a result, draws many to the area. Both the real estate and rental markets thrive in Springfield. Homes in this area typically appreciate well in value. Purchasing a home here and renting it out provides a reasonably good return on investment. At an average rent price of $929, this is undoubtedly one of the cheapest cities in Oregon to rent a house!

3. Milwaukie

• Population: 20,990
• Median home listing price: $499,000
• Average number of days on the market: 43 days
• Typical home value: $323,390
• Median household income: $61,902
• Average rent price: $1,173

Rent here is affordable, and many people choose to live here instead of in nearby Salem or Olympia because of Milwaukie’s reasonable rent price ranges.

Houses here sell at a more extended pace, being on the market an average of 43 days, but the real estate market is still healthy, and good deals can be found by savvy investors.

4. Gresham

• Population: 109,381
• Median home listing price: $466,225
• Average number of days on the market: 32 days
• Typical home value: $286,774
• Median household income: $54,084
• Average rent price: $1,178

While the real estate market here is hot, home prices are relatively affordable. However, affordability is dropping rapidly. Gresham’s median household income is lower than some of the other cities listed above, so people have a little less income to spend. Rents are also higher here, on average, but the lower range of rent prices is still very affordable.

Gresham offers plenty to do, with a wide range of cultural and recreational offerings, making it one of the best cities in Oregon to rent. 

5. Boardman

Many are drawn to the region for its affordability and end up staying long-term. Because of its reasonably priced homes and wide range of rent prices, the market moves quickly. Homes tend to stay on the market for an average of 62 days. However, affordable rent can be had here for singles, couples, and families who are drawn to the area for economic sustainability. This standard rent price makes it the cheapest city in Oregon to rent!

• Population: 3,749
• Median home listing price: $260,905
• Average number of days on the market: 62 days
• Typical home value: $124,014
• Median household income: $60,039
• Average rent price: $722

6. Wilsonville

• Population: 26,519
• Median home listing price: $675,000
• Average number of days on the market: 27 days
• Median household income: $78,508
• Average rent price: $1,600

Nestled in the southern suburbs of Portland, Wilsonville is a community that offers a balanced blend of urban convenience and rural tranquility. Known for its picturesque parks and top-rated schools, the city is an attractive choice for families and professionals.

7. Tualatin

• Population: 27,537
• Median home listing price: $719,000
• Average number of days on the market: 26 days
• Median household income: $97,931
• Average rent price: $1800

Tualatin is a vibrant city located just south of Portland, known for its beautiful green spaces and a charming downtown area. The Tualatin River runs through the city, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

8. West Linn

• Population: 27,103
• Median home listing price: $890,000
• Average number of days on the market: 26 days
• Median household income: $124,098
• Average rent price: $2,100

Perched on a hill overlooking the Willamette River, West Linn is a city that combines history, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Its idyllic setting and high-quality schools make it an ideal place for families.

9. Clackamas

• Population: 423,177
• Median home listing price: $699,800
• Average number of days on the market: 26 days 
• Median household income: $88,517
• Average rent price: $1,305

Clackamas is a suburban community located southeast of downtown Portland. It is known for its variety of shopping and dining options, as well as its access to outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing in the nearby Mount Hood National Forest.

10. Salem

• Population: 177,723
• Median home listing price: $468,800
• Average number of days on the market: 28 days
• Median household income: $62,185
• Average rent price: $1,372

As the capital city of Oregon, Salem has a rich cultural and historical landscape. The city offers a variety of attractions, including the Oregon State Capitol, Willamette University, and several museums and art galleries. It is also surrounded by vineyards and farms, adding to its appeal.

Final Thoughts

Which cheapest city to rent in Oregon is calling you? All of these cities have thriving communities, healthy real estate markets, and strong economies.

All of them attract new residents thanks to affordable rent, strong employment opportunities, good public schools, and proximity to outstanding attractions known around the world. Many of these people will be looking for communities that have affordable rent prices and a thriving economy.

Cities like Corvallis, Boardman, Springfield, Milwaukie, and Gresham provide some of the best that Oregon has to offer without the high price tags!

Ready to Rent in One of the Cheapest Cities in Oregon?

If you’d like to explore these communities further and see if investing in property in one of these cities is right for you, we invite you to reach out to FastExpert.com. As a company that connects people buying or selling a home with top real estate agents, we can match you with the perfect real estate agent who understands your motivation for investing in Oregon.

We make it easy for you to hire the right real estate agent, and we provide convenient options to easily compare top agents to simplify your selection. Give us a try and discover why over 400,000 happy clients choose FastExpert!