City Comparison
Hillsboro vs Eugene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Eugene scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hillsboro
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Hillsboro.
| Metric | Hillsboro | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,800 | -3% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $90 | +22% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,685 | $2,290 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hillsboro offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Hillsboro | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hillsboro runs warmer on average — a 53.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hillsboro comes out ahead with 239 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hillsboro sees 7.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hillsboro | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 7.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 239 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Eugene has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Hillsboro.
Hillsboro scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hillsboro leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hillsboro | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Hillsboro.
From a growth perspective, Hillsboro is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hillsboro has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hillsboro | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 108,375 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hillsboro
Advantages
Major technology hub anchored by Intel and advanced manufacturing employers offering high-paying career opportunities.
Excellent public transit connectivity via the TriMet MAX Blue Line light rail providing direct access to downtown Portland.
Vibrant, walkable mixed-use neighborhoods such as Orenco Station featuring local dining, retail, and community gathering spaces.
Extensive parks and recreation system with over 20 parks, sports complexes, and natural areas.
Strong local school district and proximity to higher education institutions like Portland Community College.
Drawbacks
Higher cost of living and housing prices compared to the national average due to regional metropolitan demand.
Traffic congestion on primary commuter corridors like U.S. Route 26 during peak morning and evening hours.
Typical Pacific Northwest winter weather featuring extended periods of overcast skies and steady rainfall.
Competitive real estate market with limited inventory for first-time home buyers.
Property crime rates that align with typical suburban-urban transition zones in the Portland metro area.
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.
Hillsboro
#337Oregon, USA
60.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
239/yr
Avg Temp
53.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
77
Business
80
Eugene
#297Oregon, USA
61.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
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