Carmel vs Medford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Carmel
Medford
The Verdict
Living in Carmel costs 0.0% less than Medford. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Carmel, you would need $75,000 in Medford.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Carmel has the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Medford.
Conversely, $75,000 in Medford equals $75,000 in Carmel.
Living in Carmel vs Medford
Housing Costs
Carmel's housing index of 134 is lower Medford's 139, translating to median home prices of $478,000 vs $406,000. The $72,000 difference in home prices means roughly $4,680 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,700/mo in Carmel compared to $1,375/mo in Medford, a monthly difference of $325.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 100 in Carmel and 108 in Medford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $475/month in Carmel vs $513/month in Medford. Carmel offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $456/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Carmel and 97 in Medford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Carmel vs $388 in Medford. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 89 in Carmel and 100 in Medford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 11-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $141,500 in Carmel and $73,200 in Medford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $133,491 and $69,057 respectively. Carmel residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $3,302/month to housing in Carmel vs $1,708/month in Medford. In Carmel, median rent of $1,700/mo fits within this budget. In Medford, median rent of $1,375/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 11 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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