It's time to start moving to cheap places to live near Portland Oregon! Portland has a reputation for having a high cost of living. According to KPTV, the Portland cost of living is higher than the national average, due to rising housing prices and stagnant wages. The Portland cost of living index is 114.7, meaning the cost of items in the city is 14.7% higher than the national average on average. According to RentCafe, the citywide average rent is $1,764 a month, $24 per month higher than the national average. According to Redfin, the Portland median home sale price is $525,000, nearly $100,000 higher than the national median.
However, the cheapest places to live near Portland Oregon offer truly affordable, family-friendly, and safe places to live. You can rent an apartment or buy a house without spending too much money, and you can enjoy low-cost groceries, amenities, and entertainment. The key is to do a deep dive on cheap places to live near Portland Oregon, examining each one in detail and finding the right place to live for you and your family. Here are the eight cheapest places to live near Portland Oregon today.
Wood Village, OR | Most Affordable Housing Among Cheap Places to Live Near Portland Oregon
- Wood Village population: 4,387
- Distance to Portland: 13.5 miles
- Median household income in Wood Village: $85,413
- Median home price of Wood Village homes for sale: $268,000
- Average rent of Wood Village apartments: $1,756 a month
- Wood Village crime rate: 2,193 crimes per 100,000 people (3.5% higher than the national average)
Wood Village has the most affordable homes for sale in the Portland metro area. The Wood Village median home price is 49.0% cheaper than the Portland median home price. The median citywide home price is more affordable than the home price in nearly every Portland neighborhood and subdivision in Portland proper. Most people find Wood Village to be the cheapest place to live in Portland suburbs.
Wood Village is a quaint and small suburb of Portland popular among commuters and businesspeople in Portland. Wood Village has multiple bus stops along TriMet Line 21 and Line 77, both of which provide access to Portland and other cheap places to live near Portland Oregon, like Troutdale. The Oregon city is home to many stores that sell affordable groceries and household goods, including Walmart Supercenter, Kohl's, and Fred Meyer. The community is also home to many affordable quick-service and fast food restaurants, like the Wood Village Burrito Shop and Bellagios Pizza, with most menu items costing less than $20, more affordable than the cheapest places to live in Portland suburbs.
Vancouver, WA | Bustling and Affordable Portland Suburb With a Range of Beautiful Parks
Vancouver is the largest suburb of Portland, and it offers a lower cost of living than the city of Portland. According to RentCafe, the Vancouver cost of living is 9% lower than the Washington state average, with all common expenses, including utilities and transportation, being lower than the state average. The Vancouver cost of living is also 8% lower than the Portland cost of living, with the median home sale price being 6.9% lower.
Vancouver is the fourth-largest city in Washington, so it's a good place to live for someone who wants urban, city living with major things to do and municipal amenities. It has many top parks in Washington, including Vancouver Lake Regional Park, which covers 190 acres and offers beaches, hiking trails, and picnic shelters. Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs can visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, where they can find monuments, historic homes, and outdoor gardens, open for free.
Gresham, OR | Best Cheap Place to Live Near Portland Oregon for Golfers
- Gresham population: 114,247
- Distance to Portland: 12.1 miles
- Median household income in Gresham: $76,952
- Median price of Gresham homes for sale: $480,700
- Average rent of Gresham apartments: $1,687 a month
- Gresham crime rate: 2,850.57 offenses per 100,000 residents (34.5% higher than the crime rate)
Gresham borders Portland, but its cost of living is more affordable than Portland's. The average rental data in Gresham is 4.4% lower than the Portland average rent, and its median home sale price is 8.4% lower than the Gresham median. Gresham utilities are affordable, with the average water bill in Gresham being just $52.11 per month.
Gresham has a relatively large population compared with the other cheap places to live near Portland Oregon. However, it's a quiet and family-friendly city that is well known for its access to nature and outdoor destinations. Shane T. Bemis Nature Park (formerly known as Hogan Butte Nature Park) covers 46 acres and includes Hogan Butte, a 930-foot extinct volcano that offers scenic views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. In addition to green spaces, Gresham is a top place to live for golfers. It's home to the Gresham Golf Course, which is an 18-hole public golf course, and the Persimmon Country Club, which is an 18-hole private golf course and golf academy.
Troutdale, OR | Affordable Condos in a Quaint Community With Museums
- Troutdale population: 16,300
- Distance to Portland: 15.2 miles
- Median household income in Troutdale: $89,337
- Median price of Troutdale homes for sale: $512,000
- Average rent of Troutdale apartments: $1,756 a month
- Troutdale crime rate: 2,211 offenses per 100,000 people (4.4% higher than the national average)
According to Payscale, the Troutdale cost of living is 9.6% lower than the Portland cost of living. The Troutdale housing index is 28.2% lower than the Portland housing index, making it extremely affordable to buy a house in Troutdale. Single-family Troutdale homes for sale are 7.2% cheaper than in Portland, and condos in Troutdale are 8.2% more affordable than in Portland.
Troutdale has a small town atmosphere with unique museums and things to do. The Railroad Depot Museum and Caboose commemorates Troutdale's railroad history in a historic railroad depot building from 1882. The same building is home to the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center, which offers information on Mt. Hood and branded merchandise for sale. The Fred E. Harlow House is a historic home from 1900 open to the public for tours and special events. The Troutdale Arts Center is an art gallery and studio with works from local artists, which you can look at for free and purchase.
Cornelius, OR | Most Affordable Apartments for Rent in Affordable Portland Suburbs
- Cornelius population: 12,694
- Distance to Portland: 23.3 miles
- Median household income in Cornelius: $96,273
- Median price of Cornelius homes for sale: $442,500
- Average rent of Cornelius apartments: $1,480 a month
- Cornelius crime rate: 1,925 offenses per 100,000 people (9.2% lower than the national average)
Cornelius is unique among cheap places to live near Portland Oregon for offering a lower cost of living and a higher median household income than Portland. The median home sale price in Cornelius is 15.7% lower than in Portland, while the median household income in Cornelius is 5.2% higher. If you want to make the most money while lowering your expenses, Cornelius, Oregon, is the best place near Portland for you.
Unlike many of the cheap places to live near Portland Oregon, Cornelius is an agricultural-focused community, with parks and farmlands on its borders. The community is located in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area, so you can find many wineries and vineyards in and around the community. Top wineries in Cornelius include Sidereus Vineyard and Winery and Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, both of which are home to wine tastings and tours. Cornelius is predominantly residential, creating a quiet and family friendly atmosphere reminiscent of a small town.
Hazel Dell, WA | Best Cheap Place to Live Near Portland for K-12 Schools
- Hazel Dell population: 23,569
- Distance to Portland: 12.5 miles
- Median household income in Hazel Dell: $86,305
- Median price of Hazel Dell homes for sale: $409,950
- Average rent of Hazel Dell apartments: $1,675 a month
- Hazel Dell crime rate: 2,773 offenses per 100,000 people (30.8% higher than the national average)
Hazel Dell is the cheapest place to live near Portland Oregon in the state of Washington. Its median home price is 21.9% lower than the median home price in Portland. Hazel Dell is an unincorporated community and census-designated place, meaning it does not have a municipal government that charges sales taxes. This means you spend less on groceries and household goods when living in Hazel Dell.
Hazel Dell is a kid-friendly community home to three elementary schools: Dwight D Eisenhower Elementary School, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary School, and Hazel Dell Elementary School. US News ranks Eisenhower Elementary School as the top elementary school in the Vancouver School District, with 60% of students testing at or above the proficiency rate in reading. The community borders Jason Lee Middle School, Gaiser Middle School, and Columbia River High School. US News ranks Columbia River High School in the top 75 high schools in Washington state, one of the highest rated schools among cheap places to live in Portland OR suburbs.
Minnehaha, WA | Most Affordable Condos in Portland Suburbs
- Minnehaha population: 11,871
- Distance to Portland: 12.9 miles
- Median household income in Minnehaha: $100,678
- Median price of Minnehaha homes for sale: $475,000
- Average rent of Minnehaha apartments: $1,567 a month
- Minnehaha crime rate: 2,267 offenses per 100,000 people (7.0% higher than the national average)
Minnehaha has the lowest average rent among cheap places to live near Portland Oregon in Washington state. Condos in Minnehaha have an average cost of $229,000, one of the most affordable housing options in affordable suburbs of Portland Oregon and the cheapest places to live near Portland Oregon. Condos in Minnehaha cost 37.3% less than condos in Portland on average. The cost of single-family Minnehaha homes for sale is nearly $100,000 less than the cost of single-family homes in Portland.
Minnehaha is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place, so you won't pay high sales taxes on groceries and other items, unlike most of the other cheapest places to live near Portland Oregon. Minnehaha is a predominantly residential community with tree-lined streets and a quiet atmosphere, making it suitable for retirees or young professionals looking to unwind after work. The community borders State Route 500, which provides easy access to Vancouver and other cheap places to live near Portland Oregon.
You can enjoy many affordable things to do in and around Minnehaha, including Naydenov Gymnastics, an indoor and kid-friendly gymnastics center.
Gladstone, OR | Safest Cheap Place to Live Near Portland
- Gladstone population: 12,017
- Distance to Portland: 11.0 miles
- Median household income in Gladstone: $91,250
- Median price of Gladstone homes for sale: $483,500
- Average rent of Gladstone apartments: $1,706 a month
- Gladstone crime rate: 1,871 offenses per 100,000 people (11.7% lower than the national average)
Single family homes in Gladstone cost 13.2% less than single family homes in Portland. The City of Gladstone offers many free services, including extensive senior services like free flu shots, dental appointments, and eye exams. It's also one of the safest cheap places to live near Portland Oregon, with an overall crime rate that is 31.2% lower than the Oregon crime rate and 67.4% lower than the Portland crime rate. Gladstone reported just 23 violent crimes in 2024, meaning its violent crime rate is 41.1% lower than the Oregon crime rate and nearly all of the cheapest places to live near Portland Oregon.
Gladstone has a long shoreline along the Willamette River and the Clackamas River, giving the community scenic waterfront views. Gladstone is a great place for athletes, being home to the Clackamas River Racquet Club and Meldrum Bar Park, which is home to fishing piers and boating ramps. Gladstone is home to several top bars and restaurants that offer happy hour, like High Rocks Restaurant and Lounge, which serves local IPAs and wheat ales.
Affordable Portland Suburbs Map
You can use this map to find the best cheap places to live near Portland Oregon, including restaurants, parks, and things to do in each city, like Dahl Beach City Park!
FAQ
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live Near Portland?
Wood Village is the cheapest place to live near Portland, as it has the lowest housing prices of any Portland suburb. The median home price in Wood Village is roughly half of the median home price in Portland, and you can find condos, townhomes, and single family homes that are even cheaper. Wood Village offers an easy commute to Portland with access to public transportation on TriMet, so most residents don't spend significant amounts of money on gas or transportation.
What Is the Safest Cheap Place to Live Near Portland?
Gladstone is the safest, cheap place to live near Portland, with an overall crime rate that is less than one-third of the Portland crime rate. Most residents do not report experiencing crime on a regular basis while living in Gladstone, and major streets like Portland Avenue are safe to visit at night. Gladstone is an affordable place to live, with its median home price and average rent being less than Portland, and you can visit affordable stores in Gladstone like Gladstone Mercantile.
What Are Family-Friendly Cheap Places to Live Near Portland Oregon?
Several suburbs near Portland offer lower housing costs and family-friendly amenities. Gresham has a median home price typically below Portland’s and access to parks and schools. Hazel Dell provides strong job opportunities and well-rated schools, though prices vary. Minnehaha and Vancouver (across the Columbia River) are also popular for affordability, with Vancouver offering no Oregon state income tax but slightly longer commute times.
Are There Cheap Places to Live Near Portland Oregon in Washington?
Yes, there are cheap places to live near Portland Oregon in Washington state, across the Columbia River from Portland. Vancouver is the most popular option, with median home prices often lower than Portland and no Oregon state income tax, though Washington has its own taxes. Nearby areas like Minnehaha can also be cheaper depending on the neighborhood, but commute times and housing availability vary by location and demand.
What Are the Best Parks in Cheap Portland Suburbs?
Several affordable suburbs near Portland feature well-regarded parks. In Gresham, Main City Park offers playgrounds, trails, and sports fields. Hillsboro is home to Rood Bridge Park, known for wetlands and walking paths. Across the river in Vancouver, Esther Short Park is a central green space with events and open lawns, making these areas attractive for families seeking lower-cost living with outdoor access.
Start Moving to Cheap Places to Live Near Portland Oregon
The best cheap places to live near Portland Oregon may surprise you! Wood Village offers the cheapest homes for sale, while Cornelius offers the most affordable apartments with a high household income. You can go across the Columbia River to Vancouver and enjoy affordable big city amenities, or you can stay in Oregon communities like Troutdale and enjoy quaint atmospheres and fun things to do.
Now that you know about the cheapest places to live near Portland Oregon, you can hire an experienced Portland moving company for your upcoming move. PDX Movers has the top Portland movers, with over 3,000 customers per year. Call 503-746-8795 for a free estimate now.
