Oregon (& Bend) costs of living? (sales, vehicle registration, insurance)

[neal93]

Just wondering what some basic costs of living are in Bend (& Oregon in general). Wondering about:

• Typical power bill for average house, in summer & winter?
• Typical natural gas bill for an average house, in summer & winter?
• Property taxes for average house?
• Sales tax (I've heard there aren't any)?
• State income tax?
• Cost of land- 1/2 acre homesite for example?
• Other unknown costs to someone who lives in the desert southwest?

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by neal93

Just wondering what some basic costs of living are in Bend (& Oregon in general). Wondering about:

• Typical power bill for average house, in summer & winter?
• Typical natural gas bill for an average house, in summer & winter?
• Property taxes for average house?
• Sales tax (I've heard there aren't any)?
• State income tax?
• Cost of land- 1/2 acre homesite for example?
• Other unknown costs to someone who lives in the desert southwest?

My total utility bill, for heat, light and water runs about $130 a month in the winter, about $100 a month in summer. I have central AC. The figure does not include wood heat, which I cut myself. I burn about 2 cords a year.

Property taxes for an average house will be about $100 to $400 a month, depending on your local jurisdiction. Bend has been growing rapidly, so would probably be on the high end of that scale. Property taxes are entirely local. The state does not collect a property tax, though it funds a tax deferral program for those over age 65, forest owners and farmers.

No sales tax, but gasoline tax, liquor tax, cigarette tax, hotel/motel tax and a host of user fees. Vehicle registration is dirt cheap. Vehicle insurance rates are low.

A half acre home site will cost you anywhere from $50,000 to about $250,000, depending on location. Riverfront property brings a premium, with view property right behind.

State income tax is 9% on your taxable income. The average for the state is 6.5% of gross. If you have more deductions, you will pay less tax.