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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Fort Worth is 8% cheaper than Salem.

$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
$76,602/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 6%
$277,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 38%
$1,489/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 3%
941,311
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $4,702/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Salem — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Salem?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Salem?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $4,702/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Salem details →

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