Cost of Living in North plains, OR
North plains cost of living index: 129.1 (above the US average). Median home price: $487,900.
Updated 2026 • Based on 1 local zip code
📍 Some data sourced from nearby metro area
29% above the national average
Housing
Data from 1 zip code
Housing costs in North plains, OR based on real market data from 1 local zip code.
Considering a move to North plains, OR? The housing index at 129.8 hints at potential affordability issues, as no average rents have been recorded for a 2-bedroom apartment or house, possibly indicating a tight rental market. The median home price sits at 487900.0, which reflects a competitive market. Prospective buyers should carefully weigh their options in housing supply and market trends in the area, as properties may sell quickly—typical of areas with a high median home value. Make sure to explore the local amenities and economic factors for informed decision-making.
Last updated: January 2026
Utilities
The cost of utilities such as electricity, natural gas, and other services can significantly impact the overall cost of living.
Living in North plains, OR could entail variable utility costs. Electricity costs sit at $15.12, while natural gas is priced at $16.5 per Thousand Cubic Feet. Expect to budget about $97.9 monthly for other services like water and garbage.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Local Income & Economy in North plains, OR
How far does your money go in North plains? Understanding the relationship between income and cost of living is key to evaluating affordability.
How We Calculate Adjusted Purchasing Power in North plains
The adjusted purchasing power shows what a North plains, OR household income is actually worth after accounting for local prices. We calculate it using the formula: Purchasing Power = Median Income ÷ Cost of Living Index × 100
For North plains, that's $109,559 ÷ 129.1 × 100 = $84,864. This means a household earning the median income in North plains has the equivalent buying power of $84,864 in a city where the cost of living index equals the national baseline of 100.
North plains's cost of living index of 129.1 is moderately above the US average, meaning residents pay 29% more for typical goods and services. However, with a median household income of $109,559, many families find North plains affordable relative to other cities in OR. The adjusted purchasing power of $84,864 reflects a slight reduction in buying power, but strong local job markets and quality of life often offset the higher expenses.
The local unemployment rate of 3.5% is below the national average, indicating a strong job market in North plains, OR. Combined with a median income of $109,559, this suggests good earning potential that helps offset the above-average cost of living.
💡 Purchasing power is calculated by dividing the local median household income by the cost of living index and multiplying by 100. A result higher than the nominal income means your money goes further; a lower result means local prices erode your earnings. The US baseline cost of living index is 100.
Pros & Cons of Living in North plains
Pros
- • Close to Portland
- • Friendly community
- • Local parks for kids
- • Good schools in area
- • Family-friendly vibe
- • Growing job market
- • Peaceful neighborhoods
- • Diverse local events
- • Access to nature trails
- • Low crime rate
Cons
- • Less cultural diversity
- • Cold winters can be harsh
- • Limited nightlife options
- • Somewhat rural setting
- • Potential political divides
- • Public transport is scarce
- • Higher cost of living
- • Traffic issues during rush hour
- • Few shopping facilities
- • Limited dining variety
💡City Insights
North plains scores 7/10 for affordability, 5/10 for safety, and 5/10 for family-friendliness — an good overall profile. Its strongest aspect is affordability, making it particularly suitable for budget-conscious buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North plains, OR? ▼
The cost of living in North plains, OR is 29% higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 129 (where 100 represents the U.S. average). Housing typically accounts for the largest portion of living expenses. See full cost of living breakdown →
How much does it cost to buy or rent a home in North plains, OR? ▼
In North plains, OR, The median home price is $487,900. requiring approximately $147,407 annual income to afford. Average rent is $2,663/month (requiring ~$106,520/year income). The local median household income is $109,559, making homeownership attainable for typical residents. Explore North plains real estate data →
Is North plains, OR a safe place to live? ▼
North plains, OR is average in terms of safety, with crime rates near the national average. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. View detailed North plains crime statistics →
What salary do you need to live comfortably in North plains, OR? ▼
To live comfortably in North plains, OR and afford a median-priced home of $487,900, you would typically need a household income of $121,975 to $152,469 per year. The local median household income is $109,559. Renting requires approximately $106,520/year (at $2,663/month). See full affordability analysis →
What are the best neighborhoods in North plains, OR? ▼
The best neighborhoods in North plains, OR depend on your priorities. For families, look for areas near top-rated schools with lower crime rates. For affordability, neighborhoods farther from the city center tend to offer more affordable options.
How are the taxes in North plains, OR? ▼
Tax rates in North plains, OR include state and local components. The cost of living index of 129 indicates a higher cost environment compared to the national average. View detailed North plains tax information →
How does North plains, OR compare to nearby cities? ▼
North plains, OR offers comparable costs to nearby communities. With a cost of living index of 129, median home prices of $487,900, and a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 residents, you can compare these metrics side-by-side. Use the compare feature to evaluate specific cities.
What is the weather like in North plains, OR? ▼
Weather in North plains, OR varies by season. Climate data varies by season. View detailed North plains climate & environment data →
What factors affect cost of living in North plains, OR? ▼
The main factors affecting cost of living in North plains, OR include housing costs (the biggest factor), utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Local taxes and the overall economic conditions also play a role.
Housing Costs by Zip Code
Detailed housing data across 1 zip code in North plains, OR.
| Zip Code | Median Home Price | Avg Rent | 2BR Rent | For Sale | For Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97133 | $487,900 | $2,521/mo | — | 71 | 4 |
Explore More About North plains, OR
📅 Last Updated: January 2026
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Zillow, Redfin