Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Salem, OR (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Chandler is 28% more expensive than Salem.

$1,806/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 27%
$103,691/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 31%
$469,800 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 19%
$1,743/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 17%
278,123
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $31,791/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Salem — common questions

Is Chandler 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 Chandler and Salem?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Salem?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $31,791/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oregon?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Salem details →

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