Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Albany and Grants Pass, Oregon. Using Oregon's 0.93% property tax rate and $1,400/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Albany edges out Grants Pass in affordability, saving you roughly $137/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Oregon, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Oregon's 0.93% property tax rate.
Buying in Albany saves you approximately $137/month ($1,644/year) compared to Grants Pass, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Albany is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $355K versus $375K in Grants Pass. That's $20K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $12K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Albany, compared to $13K in Grants Pass. Oregon offers the OHCS Oregon Bond program (Cash Advantage up to $15K) which applies in both cities.
Albany has the better price-to-rent ratio at 23.1x versus 23.7x in Grants Pass. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Albany is $1,280/month on a $355K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Albany (pop. 56,472) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Grants Pass (pop. 39,035) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Albany offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.