Performance
Score Breakdown
West Linn
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
44% higher compared to West Linn.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Linn's average rent is
28% higher than Eugene's.
| Metric | West Linn | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,300 | $1,800 | +28% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $181 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,301 | $2,290 | +44% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Linn offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | West Linn | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $47,242 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $66,840 | $0 |
| Household Income | $146,507 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | West Linn | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Eugene has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to West Linn.
West Linn scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, West Linn leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Linn | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 21.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of West Linn.
From a growth perspective, West Linn 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 | West Linn | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,601 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 43.3 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 5.00% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
West Linn
Advantages
Consistently ranked as the safest city in Oregon, with very low violent and property crime rates [12, 14].
Exceptional quality of life driven by natural beauty, abundant outdoor recreation, and a peaceful suburban environment [4].
Highly-rated public schools contribute to a family-friendly atmosphere and strong community appeal [41].
High median household income and a strong job market, supported by a well-educated population [3, 5, 9].
Convenient proximity to Portland offers access to major employment centers and urban amenities while maintaining a distinct small-town charm [4].
Drawbacks
High cost of living, particularly for housing and transportation, makes it one of the more expensive cities in Oregon [33, 37, 39].
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options and low walkability scores, requiring most residents to own vehicles [6, 7].
Limited development potential due to geographic restrictions may constrain future growth and housing diversity [15].
While major hospitals are nearby, there are no full-service hospitals located directly within West Linn city limits [19, 22].
Oregon's state income tax rates are among the highest in the country, adding to the overall cost for residents [39].
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.
West Linn
#3Oregon, USA
80.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,300
Avg Salary
$47,242
Cost Index
135
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
21.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.09%
Unemployment
5.00%
Livability
85
Business
70
Eugene
#5Oregon, 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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