Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Asheville is 6% more affordable than Eugene. A $75,000 salary in Eugene is equivalent to $70,435 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Eugene sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $380,000 in Eugene, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,400 in Eugene.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Eugene scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) match Eugene (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $49,448 in Eugene. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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