Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Salem, OR (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Cary is 30% more expensive than Salem.

$1,621/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 18%
$129,399/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 44%
$525,200 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 27%
$1,744/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 17%
176,686
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $57,499/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Salem — common questions

Is Cary or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Salem?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Salem?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $57,499/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Cary or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Salem details →