El Paso, TX vs Salem, OR: 67 vs 105

$1,041/mo ↓ 21%

Median Rent

$1,323/mo ↑ 27%

$58,734/yr ↓ 18%

Median Income

$71,900/yr ↑ 22%

$171,700 ↓ 55%

Home Value

$382,400 ↑ 123%

$1,044/mo ↓ 28%

Owner Costs

$1,440/mo ↑ 38%

678,147

Population

176,666

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $13,166/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Salem — common questions

Is El Paso or Salem cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Salem?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $282/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Salem?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $13,166/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 El Paso or Salem?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

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

El Paso

Salem

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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