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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Dallas is 8% cheaper than Salem.

$1,403/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
$67,760/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 6%
$295,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 29%
$1,409/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 2%
1,299,553
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $4,140/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Salem — common questions

Is Dallas or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Salem?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Salem?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $4,140/year higher in Salem.
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 Dallas or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Salem details →

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