Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Salem, OR (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Austin is 28% more expensive than Salem.

$1,655/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 20%
$91,461/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 21%
$512,700 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 25%
$1,747/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 18%
967,862
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $19,561/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Salem — common questions

Is Austin or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Salem?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Salem?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $19,561/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oregon?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Salem details →

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