Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Arlington is 93% more expensive than Salem.

$2,275/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 42%
$140,160/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 49%
$864,800 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 56%
$2,414/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 40%
235,463
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $952/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $11,424/year.

Median household income is $68,260/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Salem — common questions

Is Arlington or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Salem?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $952/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Salem?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $68,260/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Oregon?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Salem details →

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