City Comparison
Union City vs Tigard
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Tigard scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Union City
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tigard is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
21% lower than in Union City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Union City's average rent is
44% higher than Tigard's.
| Metric | Union City | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,600 | $1,800 | +44% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $3,540 | $2,800 | +26% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Union City offers 5% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Union City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Union City is estimated at
$62,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Union City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,738 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $64,310 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Union City runs warmer on average — a 54.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Union City comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Union City sees 19.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Union City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tigard has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Union City.
Union City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Union City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Union City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 33 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 82.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 89.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Low | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Union City is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Tigard.
From a growth perspective, Tigard is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tigard has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Union City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,221 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 37.4 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Union City
Advantages
Median home property value remains more affordable than neighboring Hoboken and downtown Jersey City per 2024 Census data
Exceptional public transit connectivity featuring direct express buses to Manhattan's Port Authority in under 30 minutes
Highly walkable urban environment with dense commercial corridors like Bergenline Avenue meeting daily needs on foot
Rich cultural vibrancy and culinary diversity anchored by a prominent Hispanic heritage and community events
Proximity to major regional employment centers in New York City and Hudson County without waterfront luxury price tags
Drawbacks
High population density creates severe street parking shortages and competitive parking rules
Rental prices have risen steadily, putting cost pressure on lower-income households in the local market
Limited availability of single-family homes and private green spaces within city limits
A poverty rate exceeding 21% highlights persistent economic challenges among segments of the population
Aged housing stock in older multi-family buildings often requires frequent maintenance and capital repairs
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Union City
#550New Jersey, USA
48.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,600
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
122
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
82.0/100
Walkability
89.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
54.70°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
75
Business
67
Tigard
#505Oregon, USA
52.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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