Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Anaheim is 73% more expensive than Salem.

$2,082/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 36%
$90,583/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 21%
$771,700 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 50%
$2,165/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 33%
344,553
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $18,683/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Salem — common questions

Is Anaheim or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Salem?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Salem?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $18,683/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Salem details →

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