Cost of Living in Pendleton, OR
Population 17,070 · Oregon · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Pendleton is a smaller Oregon community of around 17000 residents, where median household incomes of $70,179 and housing costs ($276,000 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 — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Pendleton lies roughly 150 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Spokane — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Spokane's $326,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pendleton
The median home value in Pendleton is $276,400 — 9% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $938/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,179/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 63.5°F and lows of 40.5°F, with about 15.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Pendleton has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% 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 | 42 | 46 | 55 | 62 | 71 | 78 | 89 | 88 | 78 | 64 | 49 | 41 |
| Low °F | 28 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 45 | 51 | 57 | 56 | 49 | 39 | 32 | 28 |
| Precip" | 1.52 | 1.19 | 1.33 | 1.21 | 1.45 | 1.05 | 0.26 | 0.31 | 0.53 | 1.09 | 1.39 | 1.50 |
| Snow" | 3.8 | 4.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 5.4 |
💨 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 Pendleton, OR?
Pendleton has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pendleton, OR?
The median gross rent in Pendleton is $938 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pendleton?
The median home value in Pendleton is $276,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pendleton?
The median household income in Pendleton is $70,179 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pendleton, OR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pendleton is 0.0%. The Oregon state income tax top rate is 9.9%.
Is Pendleton, OR affordable?
Yes, Pendleton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Pendleton?
Pendleton has average high temperatures of 63.5°F and average lows of 40.5°F. Annual precipitation is 12.8". Average annual snowfall is 15.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pendleton at a Glance
- Population
- 17,070
- Median Income
- $70,179
- Home Value
- $276,400
- Median Rent
- $938/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Oregon Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs