It's insane. For background, I moved to Portland in 2016, taking a career break (college educated in Physics) and became a Lyft Driver so I had more flexibility for long distance backpacking. I was paying $650 or so for a bedroom. Come 2018, my car got totaled, and my ass got financially handed to me.

I took whatever jobs I could find, REI for a month, then New Seasons for a year, then technician level work for an Intel contractor for a year and a half. My rent for rooms never got above $700. Until I got to Intel, I couldn't pay my student loans.

I eventually got an opportunity to move to the Bay Area for an opportunity with a company I thought was neat at the time. Rooms were $900/month in the suburbs, and 250sqft studios were $1750. I hated life down there, even though I was making more money.

I'm back in Portland, now, being paid what I'm worth for having a BS in Physics, and back at Intel, but in a salary role. Found a 2 bedroom (bedroom and office) with a garage for $1787/month in Bethany. It's had its issues, but I have a lot more breathing room.

I'm 34 and couldn't take the roommate lifestyle anymore, and I know I'm privileged to be able to afford an apt on my own. But at these prices, I could get a house in Vernonia or South of Hillsboro for a similar or lesser mortgage as my rent.

I had to rent my place sight unseen just to keep up with the market, and as other people mentioned, the affordable cute houses on Craigslist get snatched immediately, or landlords just ghost.

Another sign of inflation is the price of a meal at Muchas Gracias. Paid $15 for a breakfast burrito, rolled tacos, and a small soda. I realize people spend a lot more eating out, but Muchas was always a cheap staple. Even Taco Bell is expensive now!

As a final thought, I avoid using AirBNB at all costs, and think the gig economy hasn't really done much for the community.