City Comparison
Council Bluffs vs Tigard
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Council Bluffs scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Council Bluffs
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Council Bluffs is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
27% lower than in Tigard.
Housing costs are a major driver: Council Bluffs's average rent is
36% lower than Tigard's.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,800 | -36% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $180 | -6% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,040 | $2,800 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tigard offers 11% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Council Bluffs delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Council Bluffs is estimated at
$48,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,736 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $62,500 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Council Bluffs runs warmer on average — a 53°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Council Bluffs comes out ahead with 269 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Council Bluffs sees 22.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 269 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Council Bluffs has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Tigard.
Council Bluffs 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 | Council Bluffs | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Council Bluffs is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Tigard.
From a growth perspective, Tigard is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Council Bluffs has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 59,400 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 38.2 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Council Bluffs
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the national average per Census and Zillow data.
Direct proximity to Omaha, Nebraska provides immediate access to major metropolitan amenities, arts, and employment.
Abundant outdoor recreation options, including Lake Manawa State Park and extensive regional trail networks.
Robust local healthcare infrastructure anchored by CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs and nearby regional medical centers.
Rich historical heritage combined with ongoing modern economic investments and industrial growth.
Drawbacks
Winter weather brings cold temperatures and average snowfall requiring active seasonal maintenance.
Public transit options are limited compared to major metropolitan cores, creating high reliance on personal vehicles.
Certain commercial and urban areas experience property crime rates slightly above the national median.
Local average wages can lag behind higher-cost metropolitan areas, necessitating commuting for certain specialized careers.
Variable spring weather brings the potential for severe regional storms and weather advisories.
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.
Council Bluffs
#261Iowa, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
269/yr
Avg Temp
53.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
75
Business
70
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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