City Comparison
Polson vs Eugene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Eugene scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Polson
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
18% higher compared to Polson.
| Metric | Polson | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,800 | -3% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $2,290 | +18% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Polson offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Polson | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $53,418 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Polson runs warmer on average — a 48.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Polson comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Polson sees 46.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Polson | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 23.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 46.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Polson scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Polson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Polson | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 27.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Polson is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Polson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Polson | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,428 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.05% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $61.9B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Polson
Advantages
Stunning natural beauty with proximity to Flathead Lake and outdoor recreational activities.
Growing economy supported by tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.
Affordable cost of living compared to the national average, with housing costs on par.
Strong community spirit and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Montana's favorable tax environment with no state income tax.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation options.
Housing market shows rapid rent acceleration and high median listing prices.
Weather can be unpredictable.
Poverty rate of 17.5% in 2024.
Job growth has seen a slight decline in recent years.
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.
Polson
#57Montana, USA
62.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
101
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
48.10°F
Pop. Growth
2.05%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Eugene
#33Oregon, USA
66.0 / 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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