The Beaverton Financial Bleed Report (2026)

Let's cut through the brochure copy. You aren't moving to Beaverton for the "vibe"; you are likely moving for a job, and you need to know if that paycheck is going to evaporate the moment it hits your bank account. The cost of living index sits at 104.7, which looks deceptively close to the national average of 100. That number is a statistical lie. It masks the reality that while some items might be standard, the heavy hitters—specifically housing and the tax structure—are designed to nickel and dime you until you look at your bank statement with genuine regret. The median household income is $92,650, but that is a two-income number. For a single earner to live a life that doesn't feel like constant financial triage, you need to be pulling in roughly $50,957 just to keep your head above water. Anything less, and you are making trade-offs on things like quality food or reliable transportation. This isn't about "comfort"; this is about the baseline cost of not being miserable.

The Big Items

Housing
The rental market in Beaverton is currently a trap for the unwary. A two-bedroom apartment will run you approximately $1,922 per month. If you are a single earner making that median $50,957, your gross monthly income is roughly $4,246. After Oregon’s state income tax and federal withholding, you are likely taking home around $3,200. That rent alone consumes 60% of your take-home pay. That is not a budget; that is a crisis waiting to happen. You cannot afford a two-bedroom on a single median income here without significant debt or roommates. The buying market isn't much better. While specific median home data is elusive in this dataset, the trend is clear: inventory is tight. If you manage to scrape together a down payment, you are looking at a mortgage payment that likely rivals the rent, but with the added "joy" of property taxes and maintenance. The "heat" in the market comes from the proximity to the tech hubs; you are paying a premium to be within commuting distance of Intel and Nike, meaning the days of finding a "deal" in Beaverton are effectively over.

Taxes
If you are coming from a state like Washington or Texas, the tax bite is going to give you serious sticker shock. Oregon has a graduated income tax that tops out at 9.9%. There is no sales tax, which is the usual defense locals use, but that defense falls apart when you realize the state is making up for it by hammering your payroll. For that single earner making $50,957, you are paying that 9.9% on a chunk of your income, which translates to thousands of dollars annually that simply vanish. Then you have the property tax. Washington County, where Beaverton sits, generally hovers around 1.1% to 1.3% of assessed value. On a $500,000 home, you are looking at roughly $5,500 to $6,500 a year in property taxes alone. That is $450 to $540 a month in tax payments that offer zero return on equity, just a bill for the privilege of owning land.

Groceries & Gas
Expect to pay more for the basics. The lack of sales tax does not apply to your grocery bill, which is subject to standard market inflation. You should budget roughly 10% to 15% above the national baseline for a standard carton of eggs or ground beef. The real killer, however, is gas. Beaverton is a car-dependent sprawling suburb. You will drive. The price per gallon tends to hover $0.30 to $0.50 higher than the US average. If you have a commute to downtown Portland or Hillsboro, you are burning roughly $150 to $200 a month in fuel. Add in the mandatory Oregon insurance premiums (which are higher due to weather risks), and you are easily bleeding another $200+ monthly just to move yourself around.

Hidden 'Gotcha' Costs

This is where the budget gets shredded. Beaverton has a peculiar relationship with "special districts." Depending on your specific zip code, you might be paying into a Community Development District (CDD) or a Local Improvement District (LID). These are essentially additional property tax levies for infrastructure that can add $200 to $500 annually to your tax bill, buried in the fine print. If you buy a condo or a townhome, the HOA fees are aggressive. They rarely start below $300/month and can easily hit $600 for amenities you probably won't use.

Furthermore, if you are renting in any of the newer "luxury" complexes, you aren't just paying rent. You are paying mandatory package locker fees ($10-$25/mo), mandatory valet trash ($25-$35/mo), and mandatory internet bundles ($70-$100/mo). These are not optional. They are junk fees designed to pad the landlord's bottom line. Finally, consider the parking. If you work in the Tanasbourne area or downtown Beaverton, expect paid parking garages to be a reality, costing you $50 to $100 a month just to leave your vehicle.

Lifestyle Inflation

The "Portland Metro Tax" applies heavily to your social life. A night out is no longer a cheap affair. A decent burger and a beer at a mid-tier spot in Beaverton proper will run you $30 to $40 per person before tip. If you want to catch a movie at the Century theater, you are looking at $18 per ticket, and with parking, you are nearing $50 just for the entertainment before you buy popcorn.

Fitness is another trap. A standard gym membership at a place like the Nike or a local 24-hour spot will run $40 to $60 a month. However, if you want a boutique class (OrangeTheory, YogaSix), you are instantly in the $150 to $200 monthly range. Even the simple caffeine addiction hits the wallet. A medium latte at a local shop averages $5.50. If you buy one every workday, that is $110 a month, or $1,320 a year, on a beverage. These are the expenses that creep up on you, turning a "comfortable" salary into a paycheck-to-paycheck existence.

Salary Scenarios

To survive here without accumulating debt, you need to align your income with the reality of these costs. The following table breaks down the income required to sustain specific lifestyles. Note that "Single Income" assumes one earner supporting themselves, while "Family Income" assumes two earners (or a significantly higher single earner) supporting a household of 3-4.

Frugal Analysis:
At $45,000 for a single person, you are in survival mode. You are likely renting a room in a shared house rather than your own apartment. Your housing cost is capped at $900/month. You are cooking almost every meal at home because eating out is a rarity. You are driving a paid-off, fuel-efficient car, and you are aggressively shopping sales for groceries. You have zero debt. If you have a student loan payment of $300/month, this salary tier collapses entirely. For a family at $75,000, this requires a strict budget, public schools, and no extracurricular activities for the kids. One medical emergency wipes out your savings.

Moderate Analysis:
At $65,000 for a single earner, you gain breathing room. You can afford a one-bedroom apartment (approx $1,500-$1,700), which will take up about 35% of your take-home pay. You can afford a decent car payment (around $350/month) and eat out once or twice a week. You likely have a 401k contribution of around 5-6%. You aren't stressed about the grocery bill, but you are still looking at the receipt. For a family at $110,000, you are solidly middle class. You can afford a mortgage on a starter home, perhaps a 3-bedroom. You can pay for daycare or preschool (which is notoriously expensive, often $1,200+/mo per child), but it hurts. You are saving, but slowly.

Comfortable Analysis:
At $85,000+ for a single person, you have effectively "won" the Beaverton game. Housing takes up less than 28% of your income. You can max out your Roth IRA, have a healthy emergency fund, and drive a newer vehicle with a warranty. You don't look at prices at the grocery store, and you can afford the $200 gym membership if you want it. For a family at $150,000+, you are insulated from the nickel-and-diming. You can afford a nice home in a neighborhood with low crime, pay for camps during the summer, and save aggressively for college. You can absorb the 9.9% state income tax without feeling the pinch. This is the baseline for "thriving" rather than just "surviving" in Beaverton.