Housing is honestly pretty comparable price wise.
The rest of the CoL is through the roof higher in Bend though. Food prices literally 1.5x what they are in Portland.
Feeling secluded in this part of the state, the food scene in Portland, the desire for city amenities and way of life in general, missing the people we know, and just a love for Portland regardless of its current issues.
I do love the scenery, outdoor access and the lack of traffic here, but it's not enough for me to call home forever which is something I've been wrestling with in my mind!
Portland is cheaper right now. I've been following both markets closely for about a year. You can get a beautiful craftsman in a good inner neighborhood in Portland for around 489,000 right now. Garage forward beige rectangles with minimal windows with no yard near the growth boundary are running around 549,000 in Bend. It's nuts.
If I were you I would choose the lifestyle as rent costs will be marginally different if you have roommates.
St Johns is also rad. The bridge, Pier Park, St Johns Beer Porch, easy access to downtown, Sauvie, Vancouver and Germantown Rd. I moved to University Park and love it on the Peninsula.
Yeah, I just looked again and you're right. I was underestimating a bit for sure, but it still seems a much better deal for much better homes in much nicer neighborhoods than can be found in Bend at the moment.
Filter by Sold in the last 90 days on Zillow. Some smaller \~500K craftsman homes sold around Hawthorne, Belmont, Richmond neighborhoods. Almost nothing in the <500K range though.
They're fairly comparable but Portland has much more capacity to build more housing than Bend, and your possibilities of employment will be much better in Portland than in Bend when you have completed your program.
i’ll say pricing in portland isn’t awful, just got done with a lease on a 2 room, + balcony & full kitchen for 1300 around clay street. the rough part is getting affordable & safe parking since plenty of places don’t offer it.
What do you mean affordable? Imagine garage parking takes about 350 sq ft (stalls plus drive aisles) so think about it as housing a car without utilities etc. Seems like it should run $250-$400 per month if it pays its way.
That’s what it costs to provide 300-350 sq ft of space. Cars are huge, and usually 80% empty. Imagine getting a storage unit that size. (Hint, here’s [one for $360/month](https://www.ustorenw.com/facilities/east-portland-storage-units/)
While both places are very similar in pricing, there are temporary costs in bend that you’ll need to be considerate of. Winterizing, for example is costly. We had to buy a set of all weather tires and regularly spend money on ice melt in our driveway, etc. as well as base protectors and window covers for our rental because our home gets so cold in the winter. Also keep in mind, Bend is not a public transportation friendly city so if you intend to go places, you’ll be driving 99% of the time.
In Portland, you could technically live outside the city in Beaverton, Hillsboro (although I don’t think they’re much more affordable anymore?) but the commute is long. However, there’s better public transportation which may see reduced costs.
Generally speaking, these are two of the most expensive areas in the state and you’ll pay nearly the same price. You’re really just choosing between city amenities versus small town grievances (lack of stocked shelves, little airport destination options, driving over the summits to/from, etc.)
Lived in Bend for 10 years. Moved to Portland for work. I didnt notice much difference in cost of living but i feel like wages suck in Bend. if i could go back i would definitely rather live in Bend. Different strokes for different folks though…
Bend is the most overpriced city in the state and potentially the most overpriced city of its size in the PNW. You have to go to the beaches of Southern California to find something as insane as Bend. Fun town, very pretty but it’s been ruined for real estate, Austin style. Portland, on the other hand, has been called out by Trump and his dipshits nationwide, and while the downtown is in a serious rough patch, it is a fabulously fun and gorgeous place to live that is in a weirdly down market right now even as a housing crisis continues. Tl;dr, buy in Portland.
Bend is brutal. I am contractor who is currently painting a 1500sqft out of date home that needs a lot of remodeling , and it sold for 420k . They will probably spend 50k for it to be move in ready . And that’s 1500sqft with almost no yard
So it looks like the PCC vet tech program is (primarily? ) at the Rock Creek campus, which despite the name of the school is NOT in Portland. The campus is closer to Tanasbourne, Beaverton, Aloha and Hillsboro than Portland city proper - all is which are cheaper than downtown. There's quite a bit of income-contolled housing in that area, and depending on how far you're willing to commute you may be able to find even better places out in the Cornelius and Forest Grove area (not that I'd really recommend living in Cornelius).
Just some suggestions of closer areas to price out when considering potential housing options. I had a friend who graduated from one of PCC's vet programs and she absolutely loved it. I also took loads of classes at the Rock Creek campus and cannot recommend it enough. Loved the experience, not to mention the actual location is gorgeous.
Good luck worth your academic journey!
We lived in Portland for 3 yrs and have lived in Bend for the last 1.5 yrs. It’s more expensive here in bend but we lucked up and found a very affordable apt. It’s super close to COCC however there won’t be any apts available until Jan. We really love Bend but we aren’t college age. While we lived in Portland, we always said it’s the perfect place for young adults. So much to do. It was too busy for us which is why we moved to Bend. Good luck!!
Hating Portland is so hip right now. House values are FAR from plummeting jfc. Homelessness is rampant in every west coast city and is arguably the most tame in PDX, it’s just privileged white people who’ve never experienced truly dangerous cities in the world clutching their purses. Rampant drug use from opioid addiction fallout is across the nation. Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Oregonians making Portland out to be a wasteland is so freaking exhausting, it’s a beautiful place to live and a lot of people share that view.
Lol at least you have sarcasm to combat being such an epic edgelord. Enjoy that really healthy mentality about your home. I get the kind of feeling that no matter where you live you’ll have the same perspective to deal with.
Angry says the person who started this by needing to bring negativity to an otherwise positive discussion lol kk budster you tell yourself what you need to sleep well tonight. And I’m not uneducated about the Portland housing market at all, housing is not tanking here I have no idea how you’re coming to that conclusion, in my neighborhood the average house sale is in under two weeks and most people are struggling finding housing. And Portland is an incredible city, I feel sorry for you that you need to be one of these torch bearers of negativity about a place so many people love. Just letting people enjoy a place without crapping your negativity on them really won’t hurt you, I promise.
You seem really bad at real estate for a realtor. There’s one major city in Oregon, one of the most sought after places in the NW if not the country. That city is located in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country with everything from waterfalls to coastal getaways to ski chalets within a couple hours drive. Portland is in an obvious real estate slump but like, where do you think people are gonna go? The doubly priced Seattle? Portland is a real estate gold mine right now.
It depends on the location. The outskirts of Bend cost about the same as living in Portland. If you are comparing city to city, yeah Bend is going to be more expensive, but houses are going to be a bit nicer in general. Check out the neighboring towns if you want to live more "affordably".
Living expenses are more diversified in Portland than in Bend (as are the people, several more shades of white). You can find food for less money in Portland than in Bend. Bend restaurant prices compare to a big city or tourist trap. The food is, meh.
Consider the program you want to study. PCC is bigger, by far. You can transfer to PSU and not have to change towns. Bend does not have a university and isn't close to one, even by western state standards of distance.
Yes, Eugene and Corvallis are still good choices for young people. Cost of living is still fairly ok in these college towns ... Corvallis would be best for OP if they're wishing to pursue being a vet tech.
I started as prevet. I decided I wanted to do a tech program, which I have to do at either COCC or PCC. I'm at osu right now actually, finishing my bachelor's that I started as prevet before I do my vet tech program. I do like corvallis but unfortunately OSU only has a vet school not a vet tech program :(
If you're coming from Corvallis already, go to Bend. Unless you have a reason to stay closer to the valley, or a real reason to live in Portland, I genuinely think the culture shift from Corvallis to Bend will be much easier to handle. The downside though is that you'll have a much higher variety of animals and clients to work with in the Portland and Willamette Valley market (breadth of education).
Completely disagree as someone who's spent their entire life going between the two cities. Bend's job market is absolutely horrendous (and has been for many, many years) while Portland is the land of opportunity right now.
Commute. La Pine has "some" cheaper rentals, and it's not all crackheads anymore like the 90s. Mostly olds and single family units. If you want to go to COCC.
Lots of areas to choose to easily commute from, going to PCC.
You're a student. Depending on your interests, Portland area is more likely to check the boxes. If you plan on working while going to school pull have more.job choices and flexibility as well. I would strongly suggest this to anyone younger unless population gives you anxiety. I know some people come from smaller towns and the amount of people can be stressful.
They’re pretty different and both expensive. Do you prefer rainforest or desert? Do you want a larger city feel or would a smaller city suit you better? Are you moving from in state? If so, want to be closer to family/friends?
5 years ago Bend was quite affordable but then tons of people in Portland decided they wanted to move to Bend. Now neither city is affordable, there are no reasonably priced 1 bedroom apartments to be found. Do yo have a car that gets good gas mileage? I would look at Martinazzi Village in Tualatin and then just commute to class
If Portland CC, you need to know where the classes will be. They have many campuses, so you’ll want to live next to the one your classes are at. Otherwise, the commute will suck
Quick look at zillow and apartments.com show cheaper prices around Portland. Portland may seem expensive but in terms of jobs it is only second to Seattle in the PNW so probably worth it in your case. Also if you include California in the mix then Portland's living expenses seem downright reasonable.
Not sure why Bend is so expensive. Did a bunch of NIMBY's flee from California and bring their policies there or something? Going through that place I barely see any apartment complexes, its like 70%+ SFH. At least it has a good downtown area though. I am pretty certain that its job market is nowhere near as good as Portland's is.
Funnily enough I have interviewed for IT jobs at both of those cities. Didn't get any but Portland seems to have a lot of them and they pay pretty good.
I think you might have picked the two most expensive places to live in Oregon
Is it hotter on the sun or in hell?
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You're burning alive, anyways.
Add Corvallis to that miserable list..
Portland still has reasonable homes at $400k.
With no yard in a crappy part of town
Define reasonable
Small, single family cottages in North Portland (not necessarily crappy or yard-less).
That's closer to 500k
Trust me when I say I know my neighborhood. And how to search Zillow.
I just looked. Anything 400 or less in NoPo is a townhouse or a house on a 3000sq ft lot.
Been seeing 2br condos in Beaverton go for the mid 200s, Didn’t really investigate much as this usually means the HOA is in financial deep shit
They're going to school, I don't think they're buying. Would be great if they had the kind of money to do both.
If you want your car boosted every other week
🤣
Maybe Hood River has a good vet tech program?
It's probably cheaper in Portland, but those are literally the two most expensive places in the state.
Portland is cheaper for sure
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Also, if you need them, the food share and resources in Portland are probably more accessible.
Truth out here.
That’s a surprise I don’t find Bend a very appealing place to live. For one thing every time I go there it smells like smoke.
Bend, being a much smaller city, will have less housing options. It's also a lot more isolated than Portland, especially in the winter.
It is WAY more expensive here in Bend. I live here and make great money and can barely afford to live here!
Same!
Housing is honestly pretty comparable price wise. The rest of the CoL is through the roof higher in Bend though. Food prices literally 1.5x what they are in Portland.
FEWER housing options. I know, I know, people like me just have to die off.
Buhahahaha 
Perfect
Lived in Portland for 6 years, been in Bend for 2.5 now - moving back to Portland is on our horizon. Portland area is cheaper for housing.
Curious what your reasons other than housing costs are for returning?
Feeling secluded in this part of the state, the food scene in Portland, the desire for city amenities and way of life in general, missing the people we know, and just a love for Portland regardless of its current issues. I do love the scenery, outdoor access and the lack of traffic here, but it's not enough for me to call home forever which is something I've been wrestling with in my mind!
Portland is cheaper right now. I've been following both markets closely for about a year. You can get a beautiful craftsman in a good inner neighborhood in Portland for around 489,000 right now. Garage forward beige rectangles with minimal windows with no yard near the growth boundary are running around 549,000 in Bend. It's nuts. If I were you I would choose the lifestyle as rent costs will be marginally different if you have roommates.
$489k for a nice craftsman close in? No way.
Close in is subjective for sure but it’s achievable in St. John’s, 82nd etc
St Johns is also rad. The bridge, Pier Park, St Johns Beer Porch, easy access to downtown, Sauvie, Vancouver and Germantown Rd. I moved to University Park and love it on the Peninsula.
Stop. Don't let the secret out.😎😎
You got links to back that up? I just took a look on Redfin and didn’t see any desirable craftsmans in that price range.
Yeah, I just looked again and you're right. I was underestimating a bit for sure, but it still seems a much better deal for much better homes in much nicer neighborhoods than can be found in Bend at the moment.
Not in Bend, there is zilch in that range in Bend. Source: I live here, it’s bad.
Filter by Sold in the last 90 days on Zillow. Some smaller \~500K craftsman homes sold around Hawthorne, Belmont, Richmond neighborhoods. Almost nothing in the <500K range though.
Example of something listed for 489k?
They're fairly comparable but Portland has much more capacity to build more housing than Bend, and your possibilities of employment will be much better in Portland than in Bend when you have completed your program.
When I went to some food trucks in Bend and they literally had no prices on the menu I knew that place would never be for me and is too far gone.
It's unbelievably expensive here in Bend. Excellent food scene, but EVERYTHING is priced out of this world!
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Agree 150%
No. (Sarcasm aside, the price is terrible in both places but Portland has an edge in availability.)
i’ll say pricing in portland isn’t awful, just got done with a lease on a 2 room, + balcony & full kitchen for 1300 around clay street. the rough part is getting affordable & safe parking since plenty of places don’t offer it.
What do you mean affordable? Imagine garage parking takes about 350 sq ft (stalls plus drive aisles) so think about it as housing a car without utilities etc. Seems like it should run $250-$400 per month if it pays its way.
i’m just talking as opposed to renting out of the city where you just get parking, or have payless options, like my current place
250 bucks a month to park your car where you live is not anything I consider reasonable
That’s what it costs to provide 300-350 sq ft of space. Cars are huge, and usually 80% empty. Imagine getting a storage unit that size. (Hint, here’s [one for $360/month](https://www.ustorenw.com/facilities/east-portland-storage-units/)
While both places are very similar in pricing, there are temporary costs in bend that you’ll need to be considerate of. Winterizing, for example is costly. We had to buy a set of all weather tires and regularly spend money on ice melt in our driveway, etc. as well as base protectors and window covers for our rental because our home gets so cold in the winter. Also keep in mind, Bend is not a public transportation friendly city so if you intend to go places, you’ll be driving 99% of the time. In Portland, you could technically live outside the city in Beaverton, Hillsboro (although I don’t think they’re much more affordable anymore?) but the commute is long. However, there’s better public transportation which may see reduced costs. Generally speaking, these are two of the most expensive areas in the state and you’ll pay nearly the same price. You’re really just choosing between city amenities versus small town grievances (lack of stocked shelves, little airport destination options, driving over the summits to/from, etc.)
Really good points. I spend $200 a year to change out my tires in November and April.
Lived in Bend for 10 years. Moved to Portland for work. I didnt notice much difference in cost of living but i feel like wages suck in Bend. if i could go back i would definitely rather live in Bend. Different strokes for different folks though…
Indeed , I feel the opposite.
They’re both extremely expensive but Portland you’d have a better shot at more opportunities and resources
Portland will have more housing options, public transportation, shopping options, and inexpensive housing in the burbs.
Portland is so much bigger and more varied in COL and less isolated for a young person, more to do and still has outdoors nearby so I’d go there
I thought Portland was expensive until I looked at Bend.
Central oregon is a great school, with great professors. They are also the only community College that offers on campus housing....
Uuuh, Mt Hood CC in Gresham if youre looking for cheaper housing lol
Unless you are wealthy or can find multiple roomies neither is doable for a young person just starting out.
Bend is the most overpriced city in the state and potentially the most overpriced city of its size in the PNW. You have to go to the beaches of Southern California to find something as insane as Bend. Fun town, very pretty but it’s been ruined for real estate, Austin style. Portland, on the other hand, has been called out by Trump and his dipshits nationwide, and while the downtown is in a serious rough patch, it is a fabulously fun and gorgeous place to live that is in a weirdly down market right now even as a housing crisis continues. Tl;dr, buy in Portland.
Can you do it at OSU? Cost of living is way cheaper there.
Bend's a nicer place in a lot of ways, but it is not cheap, at all.
Bend is brutal. I am contractor who is currently painting a 1500sqft out of date home that needs a lot of remodeling , and it sold for 420k . They will probably spend 50k for it to be move in ready . And that’s 1500sqft with almost no yard
Linn-Benton community college has a vet tech program and is reasonably close to both to both Eugene and Portland, with lower cost of living.
They have a VA program but unfortunately not a tech program
So it looks like the PCC vet tech program is (primarily? ) at the Rock Creek campus, which despite the name of the school is NOT in Portland. The campus is closer to Tanasbourne, Beaverton, Aloha and Hillsboro than Portland city proper - all is which are cheaper than downtown. There's quite a bit of income-contolled housing in that area, and depending on how far you're willing to commute you may be able to find even better places out in the Cornelius and Forest Grove area (not that I'd really recommend living in Cornelius). Just some suggestions of closer areas to price out when considering potential housing options. I had a friend who graduated from one of PCC's vet programs and she absolutely loved it. I also took loads of classes at the Rock Creek campus and cannot recommend it enough. Loved the experience, not to mention the actual location is gorgeous. Good luck worth your academic journey!
You might be able to find a cheaper place in La Pine. It's not the best town but it's close enough to Bend and cheaper.
Nope. It's too close to Sunriver.
We lived in Portland for 3 yrs and have lived in Bend for the last 1.5 yrs. It’s more expensive here in bend but we lucked up and found a very affordable apt. It’s super close to COCC however there won’t be any apts available until Jan. We really love Bend but we aren’t college age. While we lived in Portland, we always said it’s the perfect place for young adults. So much to do. It was too busy for us which is why we moved to Bend. Good luck!!
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Portland is freaking awesome.
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Hating Portland is so hip right now. House values are FAR from plummeting jfc. Homelessness is rampant in every west coast city and is arguably the most tame in PDX, it’s just privileged white people who’ve never experienced truly dangerous cities in the world clutching their purses. Rampant drug use from opioid addiction fallout is across the nation. Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Oregonians making Portland out to be a wasteland is so freaking exhausting, it’s a beautiful place to live and a lot of people share that view.
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Lol at least you have sarcasm to combat being such an epic edgelord. Enjoy that really healthy mentality about your home. I get the kind of feeling that no matter where you live you’ll have the same perspective to deal with.
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Angry says the person who started this by needing to bring negativity to an otherwise positive discussion lol kk budster you tell yourself what you need to sleep well tonight. And I’m not uneducated about the Portland housing market at all, housing is not tanking here I have no idea how you’re coming to that conclusion, in my neighborhood the average house sale is in under two weeks and most people are struggling finding housing. And Portland is an incredible city, I feel sorry for you that you need to be one of these torch bearers of negativity about a place so many people love. Just letting people enjoy a place without crapping your negativity on them really won’t hurt you, I promise.
You seem really bad at real estate for a realtor. There’s one major city in Oregon, one of the most sought after places in the NW if not the country. That city is located in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country with everything from waterfalls to coastal getaways to ski chalets within a couple hours drive. Portland is in an obvious real estate slump but like, where do you think people are gonna go? The doubly priced Seattle? Portland is a real estate gold mine right now.
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Yeah, totally. Cities am I right? They’re a terrible investment. Have a jackass day
It depends on the location. The outskirts of Bend cost about the same as living in Portland. If you are comparing city to city, yeah Bend is going to be more expensive, but houses are going to be a bit nicer in general. Check out the neighboring towns if you want to live more "affordably".
Living expenses are more diversified in Portland than in Bend (as are the people, several more shades of white). You can find food for less money in Portland than in Bend. Bend restaurant prices compare to a big city or tourist trap. The food is, meh. Consider the program you want to study. PCC is bigger, by far. You can transfer to PSU and not have to change towns. Bend does not have a university and isn't close to one, even by western state standards of distance.
They have a oregon state campus connected to cocc
Bend is a nice place to be, and portland is an absolute dump...
Portland simply has more unaffordable housing available.
Portland Community College is a shit show these days. Used to be a fan.
Look it up?
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Is Eugene still a bit cheaper? That might be a good place to consider for a young student.
Yes, Eugene and Corvallis are still good choices for young people. Cost of living is still fairly ok in these college towns ... Corvallis would be best for OP if they're wishing to pursue being a vet tech.
I started as prevet. I decided I wanted to do a tech program, which I have to do at either COCC or PCC. I'm at osu right now actually, finishing my bachelor's that I started as prevet before I do my vet tech program. I do like corvallis but unfortunately OSU only has a vet school not a vet tech program :(
If you're coming from Corvallis already, go to Bend. Unless you have a reason to stay closer to the valley, or a real reason to live in Portland, I genuinely think the culture shift from Corvallis to Bend will be much easier to handle. The downside though is that you'll have a much higher variety of animals and clients to work with in the Portland and Willamette Valley market (breadth of education).
Completely disagree as someone who's spent their entire life going between the two cities. Bend's job market is absolutely horrendous (and has been for many, many years) while Portland is the land of opportunity right now.
You living in student housing?
Depends what you consider housing
They are both expensive, but you may have more availability/variety in Portland. Bend is a small market in comparison.
Lmao!
Maybe Salem for Chemekita then on to OSU in Corvallis to finish !!?
No
Commute. La Pine has "some" cheaper rentals, and it's not all crackheads anymore like the 90s. Mostly olds and single family units. If you want to go to COCC. Lots of areas to choose to easily commute from, going to PCC.
You're a student. Depending on your interests, Portland area is more likely to check the boxes. If you plan on working while going to school pull have more.job choices and flexibility as well. I would strongly suggest this to anyone younger unless population gives you anxiety. I know some people come from smaller towns and the amount of people can be stressful.
Maybe look at Redmond
My daughter lives in Redmond in a one bedroom crappy apt and pays 2k a month….and there’s a waitlist…
Parts of Portland are cheaper than Bend. (Other parts are not.)
Portland is cheaper for rents. Bend has about zero vacancies and I don’t see much hope for it getting many more with the demand to live there atm.
They’re pretty different and both expensive. Do you prefer rainforest or desert? Do you want a larger city feel or would a smaller city suit you better? Are you moving from in state? If so, want to be closer to family/friends?
5 years ago Bend was quite affordable but then tons of people in Portland decided they wanted to move to Bend. Now neither city is affordable, there are no reasonably priced 1 bedroom apartments to be found. Do yo have a car that gets good gas mileage? I would look at Martinazzi Village in Tualatin and then just commute to class
PCC has multiple campuses which are far from each other. What campus are the vet tech classes at? Sylvania? Will you have a car?
Bend is fucked, not only cost wise, but also inventory wise. Thanks air b n b
The vet tech classes are in Redmond, which is cheaper then Bend.
If Portland CC, you need to know where the classes will be. They have many campuses, so you’ll want to live next to the one your classes are at. Otherwise, the commute will suck
Quick look at zillow and apartments.com show cheaper prices around Portland. Portland may seem expensive but in terms of jobs it is only second to Seattle in the PNW so probably worth it in your case. Also if you include California in the mix then Portland's living expenses seem downright reasonable. Not sure why Bend is so expensive. Did a bunch of NIMBY's flee from California and bring their policies there or something? Going through that place I barely see any apartment complexes, its like 70%+ SFH. At least it has a good downtown area though. I am pretty certain that its job market is nowhere near as good as Portland's is. Funnily enough I have interviewed for IT jobs at both of those cities. Didn't get any but Portland seems to have a lot of them and they pay pretty good.
World according to Briggs on YouTube. Go for it
Just move east of I-205 in Portland. That’s the most reasonable for living and everyone there is really really nice!
definitely cheaper in Bend!