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The Dalles, OR

Cost of living in Wasco County, OR

Estimated monthly cost
$3,318/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 26,603 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,305 39%
Healthcare $480 14%
Federal tax $409 12%
Groceries $350 11%
Transport $320 10%
State tax $231 7%
Energy $163 5%
Water $60 2%

Rent in Wasco County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,297
per month
1 bedroom
$1,305
per month
2 bedroom
$1,599
per month
3 bedroom
$2,241
per month
4 bedroom
$2,684
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Wasco County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$63,602
per year
Individual earnings
$35,057
per year
Per capita
$36,582
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Wasco County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$332,500
Annual property tax
$2,784

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Wasco County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$117
per month · 13¢/kWh
Natural gas
$46
per month
Annual total
$1,956
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Wasco County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
9.5%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Wasco County

State and local tax rates for Oregon.

State income tax
9.9%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
0.0%
Combined sales tax
0.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Wasco County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
18.7 min
Drive alone
76.8%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
6.9%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Wasco County

What it costs to live in Wasco County each month.

Single person
$3,318
per month
  • Rent $1,305
  • Energy $163
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $350
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $409
  • State tax $231
Couple
$4,879
per month
  • Rent $1,599
  • Energy $196
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $580
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $711
  • State tax $439
Family
$7,670
per month
  • Rent $2,241
  • Energy $244
  • Water $85
  • Groceries $880
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $711
  • State tax $439

Frequently asked questions about Wasco County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Wasco County?

In Wasco County, OR, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,305 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,599 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,241 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Wasco County?

In Wasco County, OR, the average household income is $63,602 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $35,057 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Wasco County?

The estimated cost of living in Wasco County, OR is approximately $3,318 per month for a single person, $4,879 for a couple, $7,670 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Wasco County?

The combined sales tax rate in Wasco County, OR is 0.00%, which includes the Oregon state rate of 0.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Wasco County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Wasco County, OR would need approximately $3,318 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $63,602 per year ($5,300 per month). Wasco County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Wasco County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Wasco County, OR is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 9.5% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Wasco County?

The average home value in Wasco County, OR is $332,500, with average annual property taxes of $2,784, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Wasco County compare to other areas?

You can compare Wasco County, OR with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Wasco County is in the The Dalles, OR metro area.

Other counties in Oregon

Browse the full list of counties in Oregon, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Oregon

Compare Wasco County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources