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City Report · OR

Saint Helens

·38th most expensive in Oregon·Saint Helens rents have dropped 6.7%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,698/mo
Year-over-Year
-6.7%
Month-over-Month
-4.5%
vs US Median
-$264
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Saint Helens · $1,698
More affordable than 62% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
28% of income
AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,698/mo, rent takes about 28% of the US median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$68,000/yr
US median income
$72,000/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Saint Helens's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,490
1 BR
$1,600
2 BR
$1,830
3 BR
$2,530
4 BR+
$2,930
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,830/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,698 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$20,376/yr
At $1,698/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 6.7% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-6.7% YoY, -4.5% MoM), not inventory.
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View Saint Helens rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Saint Helens on your salary?

At $1,698/mo, how Saint Helens rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Saint Helens rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Saint Helens. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Saint Helens

About renting in Saint Helens, OR

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Saint Helens is $1,698/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,490/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,830/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,600/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,530/mo.

At 28% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Saint Helens ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 6.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint Helens an affordable city for renters?

Saint Helens is considered affordable for renters. At $1,698/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Saint Helens falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Saint Helens?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $68,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,698/mo in Saint Helens.

Is rent going up or down in Saint Helens?

Rent in Saint Helens has decreased 6.7% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Saint Helens rent compare to other cities in Oregon?

Saint Helens is middle-of-the-pack for Oregon for rent, ranking #38 out of 64 tracked cities at $1,698/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Saint Helens?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Saint Helens ($1,698/mo): Kelso ($1,485/mo), Scappoose ($1,595/mo), Rockcreek ($1,659/mo).

How does Saint Helens rent compare to the national average?

Saint Helens's median rent of $1,698/mo is $264 (13%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Oregon, it ranks #38 out of 64 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,698/mo, rent takes ~28% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Saint Helens 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.75–9.9%
Run the Saint Helens affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Saint Helens
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Saint Helens, OR

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