Performance
Score Breakdown
West Linn
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tigard is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
18% higher compared to West Linn.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Linn's average rent is
28% higher than Tigard's.
| Metric | West Linn | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,300 | $1,800 | +28% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $250 | $180 | +39% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $181 | $250 | -28% |
| Monthly Total | $3,301 | $2,800 | +18% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tigard offers 27% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tigard delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in West Linn is estimated at
$66,840 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | West Linn | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $47,242 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $66,840 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,994 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $146,507 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | West Linn | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Tigard scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Linn | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 21.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 70.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tigard is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of West Linn.
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 | West Linn | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,601 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 43.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.00% | 4.20% |
| 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].
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.
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
Tigard
#28Oregon, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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