Performance
Score Breakdown
Grants Pass
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% higher compared to Grants Pass.
Housing costs are a major driver: Grants Pass's average rent is
19% lower than Eugene's.
| Metric | Grants Pass | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,800 | -19% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $400 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,570 | $2,290 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Grants Pass | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,331 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $59,646 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Grants Pass | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Grants Pass scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Grants Pass leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Grants Pass | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 27.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.80 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Grants Pass.
From a growth perspective, Grants Pass is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Eugene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Grants Pass | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,051 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 40.8 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 5.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Grants Pass
#64Oregon, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
Eugene
#4Oregon, USA
79.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
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