Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Atlanta is 16% more expensive than Salem.

$1,617/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 18%
$81,938/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 12%
$420,600 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 9%
$1,695/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 15%
499,287
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $10,038/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Salem — common questions

Is Atlanta or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Salem?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Salem?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $10,038/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Oregon?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Salem details →

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