Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $752 in Michigan versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 30% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $39,575 in Michigan and $71,900 in Oregon — about 45% higher in Oregon. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
9.90%
+5.7 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$752
$1,080
+44% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$76,800
$435,400
+467% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$39,575
$71,900
+82% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.3°F
53.0°F
+2.7°F in Oregon
Michigan vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Oregon?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $752 runs about 30% below Oregon's $1,080, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan than in Oregon?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $30,000 a year in Michigan versus $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Oregon?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Michigan/Oregon — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.