Cost of Living in Medford

Cost Breakdown by Category

Index values. National average = 100. Lower is more affordable.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Estimated specific prices in Medford (2026 values, USD).

💰 Purchasing Power

With a median income of $63,500 and a cost of living index of 117, the purchasing power-adjusted income in Medford is $54,274.

This means you need a lower income in Medford to match the purchasing power of an average US city.

→ See take-home pay for every salary in Oregon

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Financial Reality in Medford

With a cost of living index of 117, Medford costs 17% more than the national average. Here is what that means in practical terms for your household budget.

Housing affordability: The median home price of $290,000 represents a 4.6x home-price-to-income ratio against the median household income of $63,500. This ratio falls within a manageable range for many households, though individual debt loads and savings goals affect actual affordability. Using the 28% rule, the median household can allocate $1,482/month to housing costs.

Rent burden: At $1,200/mo, rent consumes approximately 23% of the median gross household income. This is within the 30% guideline that financial advisors recommend.

Purchasing power: The median income of $63,500 has a purchasing power equivalent to $54,274 in an average-cost US city. That represents a loss of $9,226.0 in effective buying power compared to the nominal salary.

Common Questions About Living in Medford

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Medford? Based on local costs, a household income of at least $48,000.0 is needed to rent comfortably (using the 40x rent rule), or roughly $82,857+ to afford the median home. These are minimums — factor in your specific debt obligations, savings goals, and lifestyle expenses.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Medford? With median rent at $1,200/mo and median home prices at $290,000, the rent-to-buy ratio favors renting in the short term, as buying requires significant upfront capital. Run the numbers with a mortgage calculator using current rates for your specific situation.

How does Medford compare to similar cities? Use the comparison links below to see Medford side-by-side with other cities. The most meaningful comparisons are with cities in the same region, similar population size, or cities you are considering for a move. Pay attention to category-level differences, not just the overall index.

📚 Moving & Relocation Resources

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