Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Eugene earns roughly $126,010/yr (~$6,495/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,400/mo — that's 22% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
OR · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Eugene?
Using local salary estimates and Eugene's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Eugene, OR in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$126,010/yr local estimate
$10,501
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
9.9% (top) state income tax
-$4,006
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,495
1BR rent
22% of take-home
-$1,400
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$415
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$4,185
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Eugene could save roughly $20,088/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 22% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 22% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Eugene is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $126,010/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Eugene's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Eugene for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Whiteaker
Historic neighborhood, artistic, bohemian, walkable, diverse income levels. Best walkability and character in Eugene. Near downtown.
University Neighborhood
Adjacent to University of Oregon, younger demographic, students, walkable, more noise and party scene on weekends.
Friendly
Residential, family-oriented, tree-canopy, walkable, slower than downtown, good for families seeking quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Eugene?
A Physician Assistant in Eugene earns approximately $126,010 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Eugene's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Eugene affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 22% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Eugene with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Eugene?
After federal taxes, 9.9% (top) state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $126,010/yr takes home roughly $6,495/month in Eugene.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Eugene?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Eugene costs a median of $1,400/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 22% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.