Cost of Living in La Grande, OR
Population 13,059 · Oregon · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
La Grande is a smaller Oregon community of around 13000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,409 and housing costs ($244,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
La Grande lies roughly 140 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Nampa — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Nampa's $333,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in La Grande
The median home value in La Grande is $244,200 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $970/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,409/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Oregon's top state income tax rate is 9.9% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 55.6°F and lows of 30.0°F, with about 113.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, La Grande has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 46 | 52 | 61 | 68 | 79 | 79 | 70 | 57 | 43 | 35 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 24 | 29 | 34 | 39 | 42 | 40 | 34 | 29 | 26 | 20 |
| Precip" | 4.51 | 3.59 | 4.09 | 3.93 | 3.55 | 2.19 | 0.58 | 0.85 | 1.21 | 2.85 | 4.84 | 5.15 |
| Snow" | 32.1 | 13.1 | 14.0 | 8.4 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 14.2 | 28.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in La Grande, OR?
La Grande has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in La Grande, OR?
The median gross rent in La Grande is $970 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in La Grande?
The median home value in La Grande is $244,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in La Grande?
The median household income in La Grande is $56,409 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in La Grande, OR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Grande is 0.0%. The Oregon state income tax top rate is 9.9%.
Is La Grande, OR affordable?
Yes, La Grande is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in La Grande?
La Grande has average high temperatures of 55.6°F and average lows of 30.0°F. Annual precipitation is 37.3". Average annual snowfall is 113.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
La Grande at a Glance
- Population
- 13,059
- Median Income
- $56,409
- Home Value
- $244,200
- Median Rent
- $970/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Oregon Rankings
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