Oregon's Affordable City Near The State Border Blends Small-Town Charm With Budget Living

The population of Oregon has growing steadily over the past 10 years, now sitting at around 4 million. This growth has resulted in a spike in housing prices in the state, causing it to become one of the most expensive states in the nation. The state's average housing cost is 39% higher than the national average, according to Rentcafe. While living in Oregon has become increasingly difficult to afford, Grants Pass, a charming small town in the state's southern wine country, stands out as a rare affordable option.

In a report put together in 2025 by the Economic Research Institute (ERI), Grants Pass emerged as an outstanding option for Oregonians looking for a cost-effective town. The cost of living there was calculated to be 11% lower than in the rest of the state and 5% below the national average, taking food, healthcare, and transportation costs into account along with taxes. The report also indicates that the town offers healthcare at a cost well below the U.S. national average.

One of the factors that has affected the affordability of Oregon as a whole is the high state taxes, which, at up to 9.9%, are some of the steepest in the country. There is no avoiding the state tax in Grants Pass. However, you don't have pay a sales tax in Oregon, and several other factors enable the town to afford a great quality of life, even with the high state income tax rate.

The town is characterized as a mid-sized city with a population of just under 40,000, offering a combination of small-town feel and a plethora of employment opportunities. Management, office support, sales, and healthcare support make up the majority of job types in the city, with a local community college and a regional medical campus providing employment opportunities, among other businesses. These opportunities work in tandem with a relatively low housing cost. The average cost of a home in town is $364,200, making homeownership there more accessible than in other parts of the state.

Walks Score gives the town an outstanding walkability score of 90, meaning you don't really need a car to enjoy the arts, culture, and heritage sites in Grants Pass, of which there are plenty. Additionally, with the average American not holding a large amount of cash in their savings, free outdoor spaces work out well for those living in Grants Pass. Particularly, the town has a robust mountain bike and hiking trail system, including those around Dollar Mountain. Residents are also close to the Rouge River, which offers rafting and fishing opportunities.