Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Salem, OR (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Denver is 40% more expensive than Salem.

$1,770/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 25%
$91,681/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 22%
$586,700 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 35%
$1,839/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 22%
713,734
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $19,781/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Salem — common questions

Is Denver or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Salem?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Salem?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $19,781/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oregon?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Salem details →

More Comparisons

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