Why Live in Astoria
Astoria, Oregon, is a small seaside community at the mouth of the Columbia River with about 10,000 residents and wide views of the water and Washington’s mountains. Known as the oldest settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, it has roots in fishing and logging and has recently seen a surge in arts and tourism. Downtown Astoria is active year-round with museums, art galleries, shops, and cafes. Popular things to do include visiting the Oregon Film Museum, Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Astoria Column, and attending frequent live music events. Most homes are single-family properties, with many Victorian and Craftsman-style houses on the north side of the hill and World War II–era and later developments on the south side, plus a few condo buildings and more contemporary options. The Astoria School District serves local students, and Clatsop Community College provides two-year degrees and career pathways. Astoria’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains 63 parks, including the Astoria Aquatic Center and the Astoria Riverwalk, and residents also use nearby state and national parks like Fort Stevens State Park and Saddle Mountain State Natural Area. Downtown centers on Marine Drive and Commercial Street and is filled with mom-and-pop businesses, including Astoria Brewing Company and Silver Salmon Grille, while Safeway and Astoria Co-op handle everyday groceries. Larger retailers are about 5 miles west in Warrenton. U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Highway 101 connect the area, with the Astoria-Megler Bridge leading into Washington, and the Astoria Transit Center and Astoria Regional Airport, 3 miles away, support local transit needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a home in Astoria, OR?
The median rent for a home in Astoria, OR is $1,695 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of September 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Astoria, OR?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Astoria, OR, a household needs to earn roughly $67,800 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,695 per month in Astoria, OR, renters typically need to show $5,085 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Astoria, OR?
In Astoria, OR, the price-to-rent ratio is 24.4, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
There are currently 1 homes available for rent in Astoria, OR. The median rent is $1,695 per month, with single-family homes renting at $2,500, townhouses at $2,175 and condos at $1,625.
Number of Homes for Rent
1
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Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,500
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Median Townhouse Rent
$2,175
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