Cost of Living in The Dalles, OR
Population 15,973 · Oregon · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives The Dalles a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $318,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
The Dalles is about 65 miles east of Gresham, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than Gresham's $440,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in The Dalles
The median home value in The Dalles is $318,400 — 4% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $956/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,830/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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 64.8°F and lows of 43.9°F. Overall, The Dalles has a cost of living index of 92 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% 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 | 48 | 57 | 64 | 74 | 79 | 88 | 88 | 80 | 66 | 50 | 41 |
| Low °F | 31 | 32 | 36 | 42 | 49 | 55 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 43 | 35 | 31 |
| Precip" | 2.38 | 1.58 | 1.18 | 0.83 | 0.76 | 0.48 | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.33 | 1.14 | 1.97 | 2.68 |
💨 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 The Dalles, OR?
The Dalles has a cost index of 92 (100 = national average). It is 8% below the national average.
What is average rent in The Dalles, OR?
The median gross rent in The Dalles is $956 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in The Dalles?
The median home value in The Dalles is $318,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in The Dalles?
The median household income in The Dalles is $62,830 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in The Dalles, OR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in The Dalles is 0.0%. The Oregon state income tax top rate is 9.9%.
Is The Dalles, OR affordable?
The Dalles is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 92 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in The Dalles?
The Dalles has average high temperatures of 64.8°F and average lows of 43.9°F. Annual precipitation is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
The Dalles at a Glance
- Population
- 15,973
- Median Income
- $62,830
- Home Value
- $318,400
- Median Rent
- $956/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
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Oregon Rankings
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